All attorneys are subject to strict standards of professional responsibility. These standards are set forth in codes and rules of professional conduct that are established by state bar associations.

Here are a few of the more important things you should expect from your attorney.
• Advocacy - Your attorney is your advocate, and you should expect him/her at all times to act in your best interest, and represent you vigorously, competently and ethically, within the bounds of professionalism and the law.
• Communication - Your attorney must communicate with you in a timely and effective manner. He or she should regularly keep you aware of the progress of your case and keep you fully informed.  Your lawyer must also maintain accurate records, and provide you with copies of all court documents and any letters they may produce and or receive while they are representing you.
• Courtesy - You are entitled to be treated with courtesy & consideration at all times by your attorney & all the other personnel in your lawyer’s office.
• Diligence - You should expect your attorney to be diligent in pursuing your case.  It will not be the only case he / she has, and sometimes there are things that are out of the control of the lawyer; things like a hearing with the judge, a trial date set by the judge, or a discovery schedule which is not solely in the control of your lawyer.  But when he / she reasonably can, he should be pushing your case along to its conclusion as fast as possible.
• Honesty - Your lawyer must be honest with you at all times.  It is his or her job to be honest with you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case.  He / she would not be doing their job for you if they only provided you with the positives of your case.  You should expect them to give you the whole truth, even if it is unpleasant.
• Responsive - Your attorney should be responsive to your requests and telephone calls.  He / she should be available to answer your questions and hear your suggestions at any reasonable time during business hours.
• Trust - It is essential that your lawyer has no conflict of interest with the opposing side and that he / she will protect your right to privacy.  Protection of your secrets and confidential information is the cornerstone of all law practice.