When you talk to an attorney, you may hear about establishing an attorney-client relationship. But when exactly does an attorney-client relationship start? When does it end? What rights do you have? It is important that you understand the scope of your attorney-client relationship and what it means for you. Here is a brief summary regarding the attorney-client relationship and how one is formed.
Fee Agreements
When you hire an attorney, you will be presented with a fee agreement. This agreement talks about the scope of representation you are hiring the attorney for and what your rights and responsibilities are. When you sign a fee agreement, you have established an attorney-client relationship.
Implied Attorney-Client Relationship
You don’t always have to sign an agreement for an attorney-client relationship to start. The relationship can be implied by advice given by an attorney, and other factors can build to an implication that an attorney-client relationship exists. For example, merely contacting an attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship. However, if the attorney gives you legal advice or guidance, you may be able to establish that a relationship exists.
Making It Clear
The best way to determine if you have an attorney-client relationship is to ask the attorney you are speaking to. If an attorney has communicated with you regarding your case but does not intend to have an attorney-client relationship with you, they will more than likely be clear and put it in writing right away. An e-mail or letter explicitly stating that they will or will not be taking your case is clear enough to clear any ambiguity.
If you are looking for an experienced attorney for your case, contact Lucé Law, PC today. Call (972) 632-1300 to schedule your initial consultation with a member of our experienced legal team.
