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 New Jersey, the attorney-client relationship is governed by principles that mandate attorneys to maintain a high standard of professional responsibility. Firstly, an attorney must act in the best interests of their client, prioritizing the client's needs and objectives within the framework of the law. Secondly, confidentiality is paramount; an attorney is required to keep all communications with their client private unless the client provides informed consent to disclose specific information. This confidentiality extends even after the attorney-client relationship has ended. Lastly, attorneys in New Jersey are expected to represent their clients competently, zealously, and within the legal and ethical boundaries set by the New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct. Should an attorney fail to adhere to these standards, they may face disciplinary action by the New Jersey State Bar Association, and they could also be subject to a legal malpractice lawsuit if their conduct resulted in harm to the client.