An attorney-client relationship is considered to be established immediately after the prospective client seeks legal advice from the lawyer regarding the former's business. In order to establish professional employment, it is not necessary that the client has hired the lawyer professionally on any previous occasion. Usually, an attorney-client relationship doesn't form until the lawyer and client agree. But the attorney-client privilege protects some communications made before the prospective client hires the lawyer, and even some where the lawyer is never hired.
If that person followed your advice and ultimately decides to trust you for future legal advice and guidance, you may have an attorney-client relationship without even realizing it. Therefore, you must ensure that you both understand the extent of the attorney-client relationship that exists between you. It is important to understand the importance of this type of situation because when there is an attorney-client relationship, you have a responsibility to your “client”. It's important to remember that having a conversation with another person about a legal matter can lead to the development of an unwanted attorney-client relationship.
Because an attorney-client relationship can develop quickly and without a signature on a contract, it is essential that you be alert at all times. The information provided on this site does not constitute legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship will be formed or formed through the use of the site.
Leave a Comment