Browse all the Lawforwa Resources on Lawyers' Duties and Responsibilities

Resource Description:

Questions answered by the resource:

The Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/c
Source: Washington State Bar Association

The Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection is a fund available to clients who have directly suffered a financial loss due to the dishonest conduct of a lawyer. A list of questions and answers about the fund are provided. This explains who can apply for the fund, under what circumstances, and how to file an application.
full description

• Who is eligible for gifts from the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection?
• Who finances the fund?
• What kind of losses does the fund cover?
• How do I apply for the fund?
• Do I need a lawyer to apply for the fund?

Washington State Courts Rules: Rules of Professional Conduct
http://www.courts.wa.gov/rules/list.cfm?group=ga&s
Source: Washington Courts

The complete contents of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for lawyers in Washington State. The rules are categorized as follows: Client-Lawyer Relationship, Counselor, Advocate, Transactions With Persons Other Than Clients, Law Firms and Associations, Public Service, Information About Legal Services, Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession.
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• How are reasonable fees determined?
• What circumstances are considered a conflict of interest for lawyers?
• How should client funds be handled by a lawyer or firm?
• What are a lawyer's obligations to a client?
• When can a lawyer decline to represent someone?
• What are a lawyer's obligations when services are terminated by a client?

Communicating with Your Lawyer
http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/c
Source: Washington State Bar Association

Advice for clients on how to communicate with their lawyer, especially in writing. Includes sample letters regarding billing questions and client files.
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• How best can I communicate with my lawyer?
• Should I communicate with my lawyer in person, or by telephone, email, letter or fax?
• When should I write to my lawyer?
• How can I get my file from my lawyer?
• How can I resolve a billing dispute with my lawyer?

Consulting a Lawyer
http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/l
Source: Washington State Bar Association

Practical tips for consumers interested in hiring a lawyer. Includes information on representing yourself in court; selecting a lawyer; client expectations; lawyer expectations; and changing lawyers.
full description

• In what circumstances do I need a lawyer?
• How do I locate a good lawyer?
• What should I expect of my lawyer?
• What should my lawyer expect of me?
• Can I change lawyers?

Consumer's Guide to Legal Help on the Internet
http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/public.html
Source: American Bar Association

General information on getting legal help and resolving legal problems. Includes information on hiring a lawyer, free legal help, handling legal matters yourself, legal information sources, and resolving difficulties with your lawyer.
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• What are the sources of free legal help?
• Can I handle my own legal matters?
• Is there reliable legal information available on the web/Internet?
• What is the difference between legal information and legal advice?
• What is mediation?
• What is arbitration?