What to expect from your attorney?

The legal process can be overwhelming. Having an attorney can provide you with reassurance. Here is what you should expect from your attorney:

• Competence. You should expect your attorney to be knowledgeable in the area of law for which they are being hired.

• Communication. Your attorney will keep you informed about your case. You can inform the attorney of your preferred method of contact whether by phone, email, or text message. Your attorney should return your call within a few business days. If your call is urgent, indicate that in your message and you should get a call back in less than a business day.

• Honesty. Your attorney will be honest with you regarding your legal goals. Sometimes people believe the court can help them solve all their problems, but that is not realistic. Your attorney will assist in setting reasonable goals and provide you with an honest legal opinion.

• Simplification. Sometimes it feels like lawyers are speaking a different language. Your attorney will explain things in a way that you can understand.

• Confidentiality. Any information you provide to your attorney is considered confidential. That means that your attorney cannot reveal information unless it is strictly related to your representation and only in conformity with professional ethics guidelines. Your attorney will protect your privacy even if it means pretending not to recognize you at the grocery store.

• Expenses. You should always know what your attorney is charging you for their services. Your attorney should be upfront with you about how they bill their clients and what additional expenses for which you may be responsible.

• Conflicts. You should expect your attorney to have completed a conflict check to ensure that no conflicts of interest exist in your representation. Occasionally there are conflicts that are considered waivable. If this applies in your case, your attorney should ensure that you are fully informed as to the nature and extent of the conflict before agreeing to waive the conflict. In the event a conflict arises that was not discovered at the start of representation, your attorney should immediately notify you and take steps required by the professional responsibility rules.

• Attorney Client Privilege. The attorney client privilege is very strong. That means that a lawyer cannot be compelled to testify regarding anything that was discussed between the lawyer and their client. If a third party sits in on that conversation, that privilege is deemed waived. The conversation is still confidential, but the privilege no longer protects the information. If you are concerned about privilege you should question your attorney specifically about this.