A conflict of interest is defined as a conflict between professional duties and private interests, or when there is a conflict between the duty to one client and another.
2.1 Upholding the Rule of Law and Access to Justice If lawyers do not adhere to, and promote, principles of justice, fairness and equity, the law itself is brought into disrepute and public confidence in the law will be undermined, thereby hindering access to justice.
The attorney has the primary responsibility of defending and safeguarding his client's interests. Individuals charged under criminal codes are often at the risk of having an unfavorable judgment meted against them. The job of the attorney is to mitigate that risk.
A lawyer is “not obliged (save as required by law or under these rules…) to assist an adversary or advance matters derogatory to the client's case.” behalf of a client, a lawyer remains bound by his duty to the court, the administration of justice and opposing counsel.
It describes the sources and broad definitions of lawyers' four responsibilities: duties to clients and stakeholders; duties to the legal system; duties to one's own institution; and duties to the broader society.
Duties of a lawyerProviding legal advice and guidance.Writing contracts.Meeting clients (individuals or businesses)Attending court hearings.Reading witness statements.Collating evidence and researching case studies.Keeping up to date with changes in the law.Representing clients in trials.
First and foremost, the most important job of your criminal defense attorney is to fight for you and defend you in the court of law. According to the American Bar Association, the primary responsibility of a criminal defense attorney is to advocate for their clients and defend their rights.
Defense Attorneys develop relationships with clients as they establish legal needs, provide counsel, help them understand their legal options. Defense Attorneys also conduct research, prepare legal documents, and perform other duties to ensure that clients receive the best and most cost-effective legal solutions.
Draft, file and argue motions to dismiss or motions to suppress. Advocate for the accused at trial. Cross examine prosecution witnesses. Interview and select jury.
When someone has a fiduciary duty to someone else, the person with the duty must act in a way that will benefit someone else, usually financially. The person who has a fiduciary duty is called the fiduciary, and the person to whom the duty is owed is called the principal or the beneficiary.
Ultimately, it isn't uncommon for attorneys in the community to have a friendly relationship. Don't be afraid if you even see the attorneys partake in some light banter back and forth.
In a nutshell, if opposing counsel isn't responding:Document your repeated efforts at contact, including your statement of the consequence of continued nonresponse.Wait a reasonable amount of time.To be safe, get a court order authorizing direct contact.More items...•