{"id":357958,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/what-to-expect-from-your-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2023-09-14T08:33:09","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T13:33:09","slug":"what-to-expect-from-your-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/what-to-expect-from-your-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Expect From Your Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Expect From Your Lawyer<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Finding an attorney is the first step in your legal case. The second step is finding the right lawyer. Attorneys must follow the\u00a0Rules of Professional Conduct<\/a>\u00a0laid out by the American Bar Association and adopted by every state except\u00a0California<\/a>,\u00a0which has its own code of conduct for attorneys. Of course, that does not mean all attorneys follow the rules.<\/p>\n

What are the rules that attorneys should follow? What should you do if they don’t do what you want?<\/p>\n

Read on to learn how to manage your relationship with your attorney and what to expect during your legal matter. If you still need to find a lawyer for your case, you can use FindLaw’s attorney directory<\/a> to browse your options.<\/p>\n

Basic Expectations of a Lawyer<\/h2>\n

The Rules of Professional Conduct outline what an attorney must be as a professional, an officer of the court, and a businessperson. The rules apply to legal services and the practice of law.<\/p>\n

Clear Communication<\/h3>\n

Beginning with your first meeting, your attorney should explain your case to you in terms you can understand. The client is the one who directs the course of the case; the attorney’s role is to provide legal advice and knowledge. You must understand the matter enough to make informed decisions about your case.<\/p>\n

You should get regular updates on your case. Some legal cases, such as personal injury claims<\/a>, take months or years to resolve. During those months or years, very little happens. You may wonder if your attorney is really working for you. Your lawyer should explain when to expect updates or that updates may consist of “nothing is happening.”<\/p>\n

Your attorney should advise you if they will charge for phone calls, emails, text messages, and other brief communications. Some clients call their attorneys repeatedly and then receive large bills for phone meetings. If the attorney doesn’t tell you, ask. Communication must go both ways.<\/p>\n

Realistic Counsel<\/h3>\n

Your attorney must review your case and let you know all possible outcomes, both good and bad. If an attorney says, “This case is a slam dunk, no problem!” you might want to find a new attorney. There are no guarantees in law. A good lawyer will tell you both the good results and the negative results that may happen in your case.<\/p>\n

Competence<\/h3>\n

You want someone competent for your legal representation. Just because someone has a license to practice law does not mean they are competent in your type of case. There are dozens of\u00a0practice areas<\/a>\u00a0and hundreds of subspecialties. Before you retain a lawyer<\/a>, you must be sure they can handle your legal problem.<\/p>\n

Each\u00a0state bar association<\/a>\u00a0website has a search tool that lets you see an attorney’s area of law, if they are in good standing with the bar, where they have practiced and for how long, and any legal organizations or pro bono work they do. This can help you find an experienced lawyer specializing in your area.<\/p>\n

When you meet with your attorney, explain your legal issue in detail and ask about their plans for your case. This gives you some sense of their competence in handling your type of case.<\/p>\n

Ethical Rules<\/h3>\n

Despite countless jokes through the ages, attorneys must follow a set of ethical rules toward their clients. Violating ethics rules and regulations can result in disciplinary action, suspension, or disbarment. Each state maintains a website where clients can check attorneys to see if they were\u00a0disciplined or suspended for misconduct<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Each state’s requirements are slightly different, but all follow the ABA’s Rules of Professional Conduct and include:<\/p>\n