Lawyer-Client Relationship
Definition of Lawyer-Client Relationship
Note: See a more comprehensive approach to the Lawyer-Client Relationship legal concept in the American Law Encyclopedia
The interaction between an attorney and his or her client. The law- yer-client relationship is critical because the attorney represents the interests of another person. Clients depend on attorneys to make sound assessments and take appropriate action to safeguard their legal position. The ability of clients to make sure lawyers serve their interests varies. The one-time client, perhaps a criminal defendant, is in the least favorable position. Such a client is likely to have little legal knowledge and is in a poor position to evaluate a lawyer's performance. In addition, the one-time client does not constitute a substantial part of the lawyer's income and has little economic leverage. The corporate client, on the other hand, has greater control, especially the client who retains counsel on a long-term basis. Problems stemming from the lawyer-client relationship most often involve an attorney's competency and ethics. These are matters covered in the performance standards adopted by each state and applicable to every practicing attorney in that state. These standards closely parallel the canons of conduct contained in the American Bar Association's Code of Professional Responsibility.
See Also
Code of Professional Responsibility (Law of the United States).
Resources
Lawyer-Client Relationship Related Resources
- Lawyer-Client Relationship in the United States Legal Encyclopedia
- Judicial Personnel Keywords in the United States Legal Encyclopedia
- Judicial Personnel Keywords in the International Legal Dictionary
Notes
- “Lawyer-Client Relationship”, The American Law Dictionary, 1991, California
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