#1 I promise to give you close, personal attention. I will meet with you as often as you wish, and do everything possible to treat you the way I would wanted to be treated as a client.
#2 I understand that lack of communication is often the main frustration people have when working with lawyers. I promise that I will speak to you immediately if I am in the office and available when you call. If I am out of the office or with a client, I will return your call or email message as soon as possible, but no later than the next business day.
#3 I promise to provide you with straight-forward, expert legal analysis and advice, even when that analysis or advice might not be what you had hoped to hear. My duty is to counsel you about how the law will apply to your case, and not just to tell you whatever it takes to convince you to hire our office.
#4 I promise to keep you well-informed on the status and progress of your case. Legal issues can take some time to resolve, and I will be in contact with you throughout the process so that you know exactly what is happening and what to expect.
#5 I promise to zealously and ethically represent you in all aspects of our relationship. My job is to protect you and your interests, and I will do everything within legal and ethical bounds to do so.
#6 I promise to charge a reasonable fee and to explain in advance how that fee will be computed and billed. I promise that my fee contract will be in writing and that you will have a copy. You will never receive a “surprise” invoice with fees you did not expect. For some cases, such as personal injury and collections, I operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that I only collect a fee if you recover money. If you don’t recover any money, I do not collect a fee.
#7 I promise that you will never be treated like “just another client.” No case is too big or too small, and the size or complexity of your case will not determine the amount of attention you receive. Every client is extremely important to us, and you will receive the same level of attention, assistance, and expertise regardless of the size of your case.
#8 I promise that when you hire me, everything I do for you is strictly confidential. No one outside my office will know anything about your case.
#9 I promise that you will receive competent, highly skilled services. I work hard to maintain the highest level of knowledge in the areas in which I practice. This includes keeping up with new developments or changes in the laws and the latest court decisions. This allows me to provide you with the latest information and most efficient methods so that you receive the full legal protection the law allows.
#10 Finally, I promise to not just work with you as a client, but also as a friend. If you think of some way I can help you better, or better meet your needs, please tell me. I will work for you but I also want to work with you. If you have a concern or problem, or something is troubling you, please discuss it with me. If I can help you, I will. A good lawyer-client relationship deals with all types of problems, not just legal problems. If something crosses your mind and you want my input, I am happy to help.