What are Lawyer Responsibilities?  Lawyers are governed by certain standards of professional responsibility towards clients. Your lawyer must follow these basic rules and professional ethics:

•  -  Your lawyer must communicate with you all matters relating to the case in a timely manner

•  -  He must not represent another client whose interests conflict with your interests.

•  -  He must analyze your case and use his legal knowledge as applicable to your case

•  -  He must keep all his communication with you confidential. Unless you give permission, he cannot divulge any information to a third party.

•  -  He is required to follow your directions in pursuing the case, as long as it is within the law.

•  -  He is required to safeguard the client’s property

Depending on rules that apply in your jurisdiction, your lawyer may have other responsibilities to you. But you should make sure that he or she respects these basic rules.  A failure to comply with the rules may be the basis for a malpractice action.

At the same time, a client also has certain obligations towards his lawyer. Breach of any of these might cause a lawyer to terminate the contract. These obligations include:

•  -  Being co-operative with your lawyer and providing him with all the relevant facts.

•  -  Attending all the court proceedings whenever required

•  -  Paying the lawyer’s fees in time

Lawyers who have acted unethically face a variety of sanctions — from suspension, to disbarment from legal practice. If you feel that your lawyer has acted unprofessionally, contact the state bar association or Lawyer Disciplinary Agency in your area.

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