When you retain the services of an attorney, for whatever purpose, it is important to understand some very basic rules. This is a relationship unlike any other in your life.

First, an attorney is not a bus. A bus must pickup anyone at the stop who has the right fare. Unlike a bus, an attorney does NOT have to represent everyone who wants to use their services. Attorneys can refuse to be hired, even if you’re willing to pay a lot of money.

Second, an attorney is a piano. A piano only plays the notes your fingers press or select. That means that your attorney should not be doing anything that you do not want them to be doing. Rather, they only do what you have approved of. That means that the only way an attorney-client relationship works is when there is direct and frequent communication between the two parties.

Chances are you will work with an attorney and not have to go to court. However, if your issue involves dealing with court, your attorney will need to file a document in which they advise the court that they are your attorney. At that point they are bound to represent you until the end of the case with very few exceptions.

There are circumstances in which the attorney can request that the court remove them from your case. Most often, when communication between an attorney and a client breaks down, then an attorney is not able to fulfill their mission. It makes no sense for them to be bound to a relationship that no longer works.

Special thanks to the bar review teacher whose name I can’t remember who gave me those bus and piano metaphors back in 1986. Stay tuned for more info on working with an attorney. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions on this or any other legal subject.