2020 Ethics, Satisfied Clients & Successful Representations

Ethics rules are more than mere strictures attorneys must observe.  They also provide principles for successful and positive relationship with clients.  Even if the client’s goal isn’t fully satisfied – prevailing in litigation, closing a transaction, or something else – the relationship can still be positive.  What the rules require and what clients want are often the same:  Open and regular communication the status of work; a clear setting of expectations about billing; honesty about the challenges of particular matter; and a clear division of decision-making authority.Counseling about matters they may not fully understand is essential to a successful relationship. This program will discuss how ethics rules provide principles and a foundation for successful and positive attorney-client relationships.

• Defining the scope of an engagement and setting reasonable expectations
• Counseling clients about an attorney’s role and decision-making authority
• Setting a standard for ongoing communication with clients
• Candor about fees and expenses, and helping clients make good decisions
• Dispute resolution when things go wrong