1. You are entitled to be treated with
courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the
other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer's office.
2. You are entitled to an attorney capable
of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in
accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If
you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled,
you have the right to withdraw from the attorney-client relationship
at any time (court approval may be required in some matters and
your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services
rendered to you up to the point of discharge).
3. You are entitled to your lawyer's independent
professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by
conflicts of interest.
4. You are entitled to be charged a reasonable
fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee
will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You
are entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from
your attorney at reasonable intervals. You may refuse to enter
into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory.
5. You are entitled to have your questions
and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone
calls returned promptly.
6. You are entitled to be kept informed
as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies
of papers. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow
you to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter.
7. You are entitled to have your legitimate
objectives respected by your attorney, including whether or not
to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is required
in some matters).
8. You have the right to privacy in your
dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences
preserved to the extent permitted by law.
9. You are entitled to have your attorney
conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code
of Professional Responsibility.
10. You may not be refused representation
on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
age, national origin or disability.