Working with an Attorney

In order to do a good job for you, your attorney needs your help. Your attorney needs to know everything you know about your legal issue, both at the beginning and as your case moves forward.

What to expect from your attorney

You can expect your attorney to:

• Act ethically and abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct and the California Business and Professions Code.
• Represent you zealously and use all lawful and ethical means to present or defend your case.
• Not reveal anything you tell them in confidence. There are several exceptions to this rule, such as certain life-threatening situations.
• Allow you to make the final decisions regarding how your case will be handled.
• Exercise independent professional judgment on your behalf.
• Keep you updated on your case.

How to work with your attorney

These simple tips should help you develop a positive, productive relationship with your attorney:

• Make sure you and your attorney have the same goals.
• Give your attorney all the information and documents necessary to understand your case, including information that could be damaging to your case or may seem unimportant to you.
• Make sure you are comfortable with the attorney’s working style, such as whether you will be working with other people in the attorney’s office, or how the attorney prefers to communicate—such as by email, text messaging, phone, or in person—and how often to expect updates.
• Let the attorney know if you would like to receive copies of letters and documents prepared for your case.
• Make sure you have a clear picture of the expected timetable for your case and the steps involved in handling it. However, realize that it may not always be possible to predict the time required. If you are involved in a lawsuit, for example, the court’s schedule will influence how long your case will take.
• Make sure you understand and agree with the attorney’s billing practices.
• Communicate any questions or concerns to the attorney and listen to their responses.

How to avoid problems with your attorney

You can help avoid problems with your attorney by taking these steps:

• Make sure you are working with a licensed attorney. Attorneys must be licensed to practice law in California, and every licensed California attorney has a State Bar number. Ask your attorney for their State Bar number.
• Use the Attorney Search tool to verify that the attorney is licensed and to check for any disciplinary history.
• Understand exactly what your attorney will be doing for you and what it will cost, and get your fee agreement in writing.
• Provide your attorney with all information related to your case, even information you think may be unimportant. Also provide your current address and contact information.
• Provide your attorney with all documents related to your case. Keep copies for your records.
• Ask your attorney to estimate how long your case will take. Be aware, however, that unexpected developments can delay the process.
• Ask your attorney to keep you updated on your case. You might ask them to send you copies of letters and any official documents filed in court as well.
• If you have any questions as your case moves forward, contact your attorney’s office. Keep in mind that, depending on your fee arrangement, you could be charged for the time required by your attorney or his staff to answer any inquiries.
• If you do not agree with your attorney’s advice, let them know and listen to their explanation. If you are not satisfied with the answers, ask another attorney for a second opinion. You may also consider hiring another attorney, although this may delay the resolution of your case.