New York's Client "bill of Rights"

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A CLIENTrefuse to enter into any fee arrangement that
"BILL OF RIGHTS"?you find unsatisfactory. In the event of a fee
Every New York attorney is required to hang thisdispute, you may have the right to seek
list of rights in his or her office ' where clients canarbitration: your attorney will provide you with the
read it:necessary information regarding arbitration in the
STATEMENT OF CLIENT'S RIGHTSevent of a fee dispute, or upon your request.
1. You are entitled to be treated with courtesy5. You are entitled to have your questions and
and consideration at all times by your lawyer andconcerns addressed in a prompt manner and to
the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyershave your telephone calls returned promptly.
office.6. You are entitled to be kept informed as to the
2. You are entitled to an attorney capable ofstatus of your matter and to request and receive
handling your legal matter competently andcopies of papers. You are entitled to sufficient
diligently, in accordance with the highest standardsinformation to allow you to participate meaning
of the profession. If you are not satisfied withfully in the development of your matter.
how your matter is being handled, you have the7. You are entitled to have your legitimate
right to withdraw from the attorney-clientobjectives respected by your attorney, including
relationship at any time (court approval may bewhether or not to settle your matter (court
required in some matters and your attorney mayapproval of a settlement is required in some
have a claim against you for the value of servicesmatters).
rendered to you up to the point of discharge).8. You have the right to privacy in your dealings
3. You are entitled to your lawyer's independentwith your lawyer and to have your secrets and
professional judgment and undivided loyaltyconfidences preserved to the extent permitted
uncompromised by conflicts of interest.by law.
4. You are entitled to be charged a reasonable9. You are entitled to have your attorney conduct
fee and to have your lawyer explain at thehimself or herself ethically in accordance with the
outset how the fee will be computed and theCode of Professional Responsibility.
manner and frequency of billing. You are entitled10. You may not be refused representation on
to request and receive a written itemized bill fromthe basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual
your attorney at reasonable intervals. You mayorientation, age, national origin or disability.