WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE AS A CLIENT?
*** This information is provided subject to Litteral LLP’s Terms & Notices and is presented solely for informational purposes. Because this information is general in nature, it should not be relied upon or treated as legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. This information is presented in accordance with Litteral LLP’s aim of enhancing access to the law. Litteral LLP expresses no opinion as to the merits of a particular case or a particular set of facts.***
In California, as in most states, clients’ rights correspond with attorneys’ ethical obligations enforceable by the State Bar and the inherent authority of the state Supreme Court and Federal Courts. These rights include:
The right to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer’s office.
The right 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).
The right to your lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.
The right 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. In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.
The right to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone calls returned promptly.
The right 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.
The right 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).
The right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.
The right to have your attorney conduct themselves ethically in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The right to not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.
If you feel that an attorney has violated any of these rights or committed any other misconduct, it may be necessary to take appropriate action. The State Bar of California has an intake hotline should you wish to learn of your options and a complaint process for directly reporting attorney misconduct. Any individual considering legal recourse should consult a qualified attorney who can evaluate the applicable laws, relevant legal developments, and specific facts of a given case.
*** This information is provided subject to the disclaimer above and Litteral LLP’s Terms & Notices.***