Legal Dynamics

Understanding the Attorney-Client Relationship

What should you know before hiring a lawyer?

Once you hire a lawyer, you and the lawyer enter into an attorney-client relationship. This relationship means that the lawyer will represent you and work on your behalf. The process of how this relationship functions is guided by certain professional rules.

First, we need to understand who decides on the goals and how to achieve them. According to the rules, you as the client set the main goals of the representation. For example, your goal might be to win a lawsuit, settle a case, or achieve a favorable outcome in a legal matter. The lawyer’s job is to advise you on the best way to reach these goals and to carry out the legal work needed.

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rules 1.2 and 1.4, provide guidelines on this relationship. Rule 1.2 explains that you determine the overall objectives, but the lawyer decides on the specific legal methods to use, after consulting with you. Rule 1.4 requires the lawyer to keep you informed about the progress of your case and to explain things clearly so you can make informed decisions.

Sometimes, there might be disagreements between you and your lawyer about how to achieve your goals. When this happens, the lawyer should discuss the options with you and try to reach an agreement. If you both still disagree, the lawyer may follow your wishes if they are reasonable and legal…