Family Law

What Should Clients Expect From Their Lawyers?

By J. Benjamin Stevens

This week, I am publishing a series of posts about the attorney-client relationship.  Specifically, I want to discuss what clients should expect from their attorneys, what attorneys should expect from their clients, and how both can be successful.  Today, we examine what clients can expect from their lawyers:

In a family law practice, each case has a unique set of problems, and every potential client is seeking an attorney to help solve them. Because of the issues involved in divorces, child custody, and visitation cases, these potential clients are often upset or emotional when searching for an attorney, which can make the selection process that much more diffcult.

So what factors should a potential client consider when hiring an attorney?  I try to remind myself of the (high) expections I would have of someone if I was the one looking for an attorney, and I believe that clients should expect the following of their lawyers:

• Charge reasonable fees – and flat fees where possible
• Ask for your feedback throughout the process, listen to it, and integrate it into the process
• Understand your individual situation, plans and goals – this includes identifying actual or potential problems
• Assist you in avoiding problems where possible
• Solve problems (that weren't avoided/able)
• Consider money – how you can save and keep it
• Offer expertise – depth and breadth – in the law
• Understand the nature of your personal situation
• Communicate timely and appropriately with you regarding your matter
• Act in a manner that is trustworthy, respectful and courteous
• Provide prompt and understandable billing – with no surprises as to fees and expenses
• Advocate for your interests
• Provide guidance and advice that is responsive to your specific needs
• Refer you to other trusted and qualified professionals when necessary  

Are there other items that should be on this list?  What do you expect of your attorney?  Please feel free to click the "Comments" button below to share your thoughts.

Thanks to Caitlin Moon for her insightful post on this topic at her C²Law Creative Legal Counsel blog.

Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on March 28, 2011 (boomark / email).