Know Your Rights in Working With Attorneys

In this segment of The Law and You, personal injury trial lawyer Don Corson talks about how the Client-Attorney relationship is supposed to work.

TRANSCRIPT

JOEL: This is Joel Block for The Law and You with Eugene attorney Don Corson. Don, attorneys talk a lot about defending an individual’s rights, but what about a client’s rights in working with an attorney?

DON: People with important legal needs deserve an attorney they can trust, who will treat them with respect and dignity. In a client-attorney relationship, the attorney’s primary job is to make sure that your legal rights are fully protected. All confidences and secrets are strictly honored. You can have copies of all correspondence and legal documents that are prepared on your behalf, or that are received from the court or opposing parties. You have the right to make the major decisions about your case. If you are the person making the claim, that includes the right to make the final decisions regarding any settlement. If you have a problem with an attorney, the Oregon State Bar’s Client Assistance Office will investigate the problem.

JOEL: Thanks, Don. If you have a legal question or for a copy of How to Find and Work with an Attorney, visit CorsonJohnsonLaw.com. The Law and You is a public service and does not replace the advice of an attorney.​

The Corson & Johnson Law Firm, an Oregon personal injury trial law firm, produced and distributed The Law and You as a public service to help families and consumers answer questions about our legal system and how it works for them. The Law and You spots were aired on KKNU, KMGE, KEUG, and KODZ.  Please note that laws may have changed since a public service spot was aired.  If you have suggestions for legal questions or topics you would like addressed, please contact us.