The
Appellate Division of the Supreme Court drafted the following "Statement
of Client Rights." In 1998, it became law and every attorney in
the State of New York must post or notify their clients of these rights.
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You
are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all
times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer's
office.
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You
are entitled to an attorney capable of handling your legal matter
competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards
of the profession. If you are not satisfied with how your matter is
being handled, you have the right to withdraw from the attorney-client
relationship at any time (court approval may be required in some matters
and your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services
rendered to you up to the point of discharge).
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You
are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer
explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner
and frequency of billing. You are entitled to request and receive
a written, itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable intervals.
You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory.
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You
are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt
manner and to have your telephone calls returned promptly.
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You
are entitled to be kept informed as to the status of your matter and
to request and receive copies of papers. You are entitled to sufficient
information to allow you to participate meaningfully to the development
of your matter.
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You
are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your
attorney, including whether or not to settle your matter (court approval
of a settlement is required in some matters).
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You
have the right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to
have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted
by law.
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You
are entitled to have your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically
in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility.
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You
may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
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