The keys to any successful relationship include open communication, trust and respect. Working with your lawyer is no different. Your attorney is required to follow strict ethical and professional rules established by the state in which he or she is practicing. You, as the client, also have duties and responsibilities to uphold. Watch this video clip for details on how to make your relationship work and what to do when you have conflicts.Access all the material referenced in this video and more here.

 

 

Work with a Lawyer Video Transcript

The keys to any successful relationship include open communication, trust and respect. Working with your lawyer is no different.

Your attorney is required to follow strict ethical and professional rules established by the state in which he or she is practicing. Although rules vary from state to state, standard guidelines include:

• Keeping all information and discussions about your matter confidential.
• Your lawyer has an obligation to communicate with you in a timely fashion.
• Your lawyer should avoid conflicts of interest.
• And finally, your attorney must analyze your legal issue and know the law that's applicable to your matter.

What if your attorney fails to follow these rules? They can face discipline by their state, and if serious enough, they can be disbarred or face criminal prosecution.

But remember, there are two sides to every relationship. You, as the client, have duties and responsibilities as well.

Common sense rules include being truthful, cooperative, and responsive. You also need to be available for your lawyer and pay your bills on time.

It's critical that you read through your fee agreement to make sure you understand how your lawyer will bill you. Most lawyers bill for legal services on an hourly basis. Pay attention to how often you'll be billed, and if you'll be billed for faxes, copying, telephone calls, and travel time.

Get a list of tips to keep your legal bills down on lawyers.com.

If you receive your bill and you don't understand it, ask for a detailed description of the services your attorney provided.

If you have questions, discuss them openly with your attorney. If you still feel you've been billed unfairly, you have other options available, including mediation and arbitration. Visit lawyers.com for details about these options.

Have questions about other life events? Then go to the Life Events section on lawyers.com for more helpful video tips.