Statement of Client’s Rights

Understanding Your Rights as a Client

At the core of every attorney–client relationship is trust, transparency, and respect. As a client, you have the right to expect professional, ethical, and diligent representation from your lawyer at all times. These rights are designed to protect your interests and ensure that your lawyer acts with integrity, independence, and fairness in handling your legal matters. They also affirm your right to clear communication, reasonable fees, and full participation in important decisions that affect your case.

By understanding your rights, you can make informed choices about your legal representation and maintain a productive, respectful relationship with your attorney. The statement below outlines the standards of conduct and quality of service that every client is entitled to receive under New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct and related regulations.

1. You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer’s office.
2. You are entitled to have your attorney handle your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession.
3. You are entitled to your lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.
4. You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing.
5. You are entitled to a written retainer agreement in most matters, stating the fee arrangement and the scope of the lawyer’s services.
6. You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement you find unsatisfactory.
7. You are entitled to know the approximate amount of fees and expenses before they are incurred.
8. You are entitled to receive a written itemized bill at reasonable intervals, and upon request, to have the attorney explain the bill.
9. You may discharge your lawyer at any time and end the attorney-client relationship, subject to your financial obligations under the retainer agreement and applicable law.
10. You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed promptly and to be kept informed of the status of your case.
11. You are entitled to have your telephone calls returned promptly.
12. You are entitled to be kept informed about the progress of your case and to participate in important decisions affecting your case.
13. You are entitled to copies of all documents and correspondence in your file, and to have your file returned to you within a reasonable time following the termination of representation.
14. You are entitled to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.
15. You are entitled to have your lawyer conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the New York Rules of Professional Conduct.
16. You may report complaints about a lawyer’s conduct to the appropriate disciplinary committee.
17. In the event of a fee dispute, you may have a right to arbitration pursuant to Part 137 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator. Your lawyer will provide the necessary information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute or upon your request

New York Statement of Client’s Responsibilities under 22 NYCRR §1210.2 (as adopted by the Administrative Board of the Courts of the State of New York).