The best attorney-client relationships are based on trust and confidence. When you seek advice or representation from a lawyer, the lawyer is bound by strict standards of professional responsibility. For example, your lawyer must (1) act in your best interests; (2) keep your communications confidential; and (3) represent you competently, zealously, and within the bounds of the law and the rules of professional conduct. If your lawyer violates these rules, the lawyer may be disciplined by the state bar or face a legal malpractice lawsuit.
In Colorado, the attorney-client relationship is governed by rules that mandate attorneys to maintain a high standard of professional conduct. These rules are designed to ensure that attorneys act in the best interests of their clients, maintain confidentiality of client communications, and provide competent, zealous representation within the legal and ethical boundaries. The Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct set forth these obligations. If an attorney in Colorado fails to adhere to these standards, they may face disciplinary action by the Colorado Supreme Court, through its Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. Additionally, if a client suffers harm due to an attorney's violation of these duties, the client may have grounds for a legal malpractice lawsuit. It is important for clients to understand these protections and for attorneys to uphold them to foster trust and confidence in the attorney-client relationship.