Statement of Client Responsibilities

Other states actually require attorneys to share with their clients a Statement of Client Responsibilities but North Carolina does not.  We find this an important step, however, because the reality is that we cannot fully help a client if they do not assist us in helping them.

Reciprocal trust, courtesy and respect are the hallmarks of the attorney-client relationship. Within that relationship, the client looks to the attorney for expertise, education, sound judgment, protection, advocacy and representation. These expectations can be achieved only if the client fulfills the following responsibilities:

1. The client is expected to treat the lawyer and the lawyer’s staff with courtesy and consideration.  Our contract provides that if you are rude to your attorney or our staff that is a ground for terminating our services.
2. The client’s relationship with the lawyer should be one of complete candor and the client should apprise the lawyer of all facts or circumstances of the matter being handled by the lawyer even if the client believes that those facts may be detrimental to the client’s cause or unflattering to the client.  Our contract provides that if you are misrepresent facts or are untruthful with us, that is a ground for terminating our services.
3. The client must honor the fee arrangement as agreed to with the lawyer to the extent required by law. Our staff have financial responsibilities and expect you to meet yours.  If you fail to comply with the financial requirements of our contract, that is a ground for terminating our services.
4. All requests for funds to be deposited to your trust account must be timely complied with.  If not, this is a ground for termination of our services.
5. A client who discharges the attorney and terminates the attorney-client relationship must nevertheless honor financial commitments under the agreed to arrangement regarding fees and expenses to the extent required by law.
6. Although the client should expect that his or her letters, telephone calls, emails, faxes and other communications to the lawyer will be answered within a reasonable time, the client should recognize that the lawyer has other clients who may be equally deserving of the lawyer’s time and attention.
7. The client should maintain contact with the lawyer, promptly notify the lawyer of any change in telephone number, address, email, or other electronic contact information, and respond promptly to a request from the lawyer for information and cooperation.
8. The client must realize that the lawyer is required to respect only legitimate objectives of the client and that the lawyer will not advocate or propose positions that are unprofessional or contrary to law or the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.
9. The lawyer may decline to accept a matter if the lawyer has previous personal or professional commitments that will prohibit the lawyer from devoting adequate time to representing the client competently and diligently.
10. A lawyer is under no obligation to accept a client if the lawyer determines that the cause of the client is without merit, a conflict of interest would exist or a suitable working relationship with the client is not likely.