What Is the Relationship Between a Criminal Defence Lawyer and His or Her Client?

The relationship between a British Columbia defence lawyer and his or her client is governed by rules set forth by the Law Society of BC. There are too many rules to go over all of them there, but we will give you a general idea of what is expected.

Lawyers are expected to be professional at all times with clients. Lawyers have to work in the client’s best interest and in the most efficient way possible.

Lawyers are expected to encourage clients to settle where possible and not to pursue legal avenues that have little or no hope of success.

What the client tells the lawyer is considered “privileged.” By that, we mean secret. The lawyer may not divulge anything the client has said except in very special and narrow circumstances.

The client is not the lawyer’s friend. The lawyer does not have to like his or her client, but the lawyer still has to do his or her very best work for the client to give the client the best possible defence under the circumstances.

The lawyer has a duty to the client to be prompt, courteous, and efficient at all times. At the same time, though, the lawyer must be honest and candid with the client about the case and the possible outcomes.

When you hire a lawyer, you are hiring a professional, and the lawyer will use all of his or her training and experience to give you the most professional services pertaining to your case. If you need a defence lawyer who specializes in criminal law, you can always call Michael Bloom in Vancouver at (604) 603-5513 for a free consultation.

References
https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/support-and-resources-for-lawyers/act-rules-and-code/code-of-professional-conduct-for-british-columbia/chapter-3-%E2%80%93-relationship-to-clients/

Michael Bloom is a very experienced criminal defence lawyer, who started his career as a Crown Prosecutor.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Bloom, please call his office at (604) 603-5513 or Toll-Free at (877) 603-5513.