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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 your lawyer's independent professional judgment and
undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.
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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. In the event of a
fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration;
your attorney will provide you with the necessary
information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee
dispute, or upon your request.
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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 in 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.