Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

My rights as a client

Hi:

I want to create a small business and I don�t see myself asking these questions to the attorney I am seeing next week...

How can I protect myself against... you my attorney? In general what are my rights with regard to quality of service provided? are you liable if something you say to me or do (drafting a poor contract for instance) ends up costing me?

Could you give me a list of all documents/disclosures that I have the right to have in relation to your services?

Lastly, I may have to disclose my business idea to you. Can you sign a NDA or do you have the obligation of confidentiality like doctors?

I would be for ever grateful to anyone who could answer these questions before my first meeting.

Thanks a lot ! Denise.


Asked on 3/26/06, 4:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: My rights as a client

You can always take whatever the attorney drafts to another attorney for review. All matters discussed with the attorney remain confidential and cannot be disclosed by the attorney to anyone else. The attorney should provide you with a retainer agreement which sets forth your costs and expenses and the services the attorney will provide. This would happen after an initial discussion. Of course, if you show that you're suspicious of the attorney and the suspicion cannot be allayed, more than likely the attorney will be reticent to assist you. Good luck.

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Answered on 3/26/06, 5:12 pm


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