Dear Prospective Client:
Over the forty years in which I have practiced law in Sarasota County, I have developed an understanding of the expectations which clients have of the lawyers – a subject which is not taught in law school. I believe that I have also learned what lawyers can reasonably expect of their clients.
Should we mutually agree to work together as lawyer and client, you may expect the following things from me:
- You will be treated with courtesy and respect as a valued client regardless of how big or small your case may be.
- Together we will identify your goals at an early stage in our relationship and refine your goals as necessary as your case progresses.
- I will pursue your goals with diligence and professionalism.
- I will communicate with you about every significant aspect and event in your matter.
- I will make every effort to obtain your legal goals in the least expensive manner consistent with my obligations to you as your lawyer.
- I will bill you according to the terms of our written fee agreement. At an early time in our relationship, you will be asked to sign an engagement letter outlining my responsibilities and the manner in which my fees with be computed and paid.
I have also developed principles which guide me as I represent my clients. Here are some of the things which you my not expect from me if you become my client:
- I will not lie for you.
- I will not make misleading statements or partial truths for you.
- I will not engage in a course of conduct designed to harass or intimidate another.
- I will not espouse any legal theory on your behalf soley for the purpose of harming another.
- I will not avoid giving you bad news or misleading you into thinking that your goals are achievable if, in my professional judgement, they are not. Many people have false expectations of what is capable of being achieved within our legal system. If your expectations are incapable of being met, I will tell you so.
Finally, these will be my expectations of you:
- Honesty in all of your communications with me.
- Full disclosure of all facts relevant to the goals which we set.
- Cooperation in pursuit of your goals.
- Courtesy and respect.
- Promptness at appointments and in returning telephone calls.
- Compliance with the terms of our written fee agreement.
One of the most rewarding aspects of practicing law is the opportunity to meet new clients, assist them with their legal needs, and hopefully make them into lifelong friends. I look forward to working with you and developing our relationship.