CLIENT BILL OF RIGHTS
My attorney agrees to do the following:
1. Only work on my case if he or she has the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to be an excellent advocate on my behalf.
2. 'Tell it like it is.' To be open and honest with me in all transactions.
3. To act on my behalf in the most dignified manner possible and conform to all legal and ethical guidelines.
4. Communicate. That means to be an active listener, return phone calls as soon as possible, and provide regular case status updates.
5. Work on the case in a timely manner so that it may be resolved as expeditiously as possible with as little conflict as possible.
6. To place all fee agreements in writing.
7. To fairly bill me only for actual attorney time, fees, and costs incurred on the case.
8. Obtain my written authorization before negotiating a settlement or other form of resolution to my case.
9. Preserve my confidences, honor my privacy, and only disclose the facts of my case, or other matters, to persons on a 'need-to-know' basis.
10. Remain current on the laws and trends related to his or her specialization, as well as to the facts of the case.
11. Properly maintain all financial books and records related to the case and my account, including trust accounts, billing statements, cost ledgers, attorney ledgers, liens, etc.
12. To properly maintain client funds in trust, avoid commingling, misappropriation, and refund any unearned fees or retainers.
13. Maintain and store my records in a place which is secure from theft and unnecessary access, and which is protected against the possibilities of fire, water damage, and the like.
14. To promptly release client files upon demand.
Additional Request(s) by the Client:
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Date: ________________________ Attorney ________________________________________
Date: ________________________ Client __________________________________________
©1998 Phin Enterprises. Donald A. Phin, Esq., CPCM. No portion of these materials may be reproduced by any means without the express written permission of the author.