Before you arrange a fee agreement
with an attorney, you should understand this Statement
of your rights as a client. As a prospective client, you
should be aware of these rights:
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An attorney should not discriminate and refuse
you on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual
orientations, age, nationality or disability. |
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You are entitled to an attorney who is capable
of handling your case, as well as, be respected and
be shown with courtesy and consideration at all
times. Your confidence must be protected as well as
the secrets that are revealed during the process of
course of relationship. |
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You are entitled to a written retainer
agreement, in plain language. The agreement must
state the nature of relationship and the details of
the fee arrangement. Before you sign the agreement,
you have the right to review and clarify with your
attorney any of its terms, revise or include
additional provisions. |
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You have the right to discuss and bargain about
the rate or percentage just like any other contract.
You have the right to refuse any fee arrangement
that you find unsatisfactory. |
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You are entitled to know who will be handling
your case. If your lawyer intends to work with other
lawyers, you have the right to know what kind of fee
sharing arrangement will be made. |
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You have the right to know how you are going to
pay the expenses and the legal fees at the end of
the case. If a deposit is made in advance, you have
the right to ask for an accounting of such. |
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You are entitled to be advised of estimated
future costs of your case after the attorney’s
investigation and review of your case. This is
subject to change for circumstances arising from the
progress of the case. |
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You have the right to be told by your attorney
on any adverse consequences if you lose the case.
This might include, but not limited to, loss of
money commensurate to the amount you will pay for
attorney’s fees and liability you might have to the
other party. |
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You have the right to ask, on reasonable basis,
the progress of the case and to have it answered to
the best of the attorney’s ability. |
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You, as the client, have the right to make the
ultimate decision with regards to settlement of the
case. |