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 York, the attorney-client relationship is governed by principles that mandate attorneys to uphold their clients' best interests, maintain confidentiality, and provide competent and zealous representation within legal and ethical boundaries. Attorneys in New York are required to adhere to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which outline their duties and responsibilities. If an attorney fails to meet these standards, they may face disciplinary action by the New York State Bar Association, which could include sanctions, suspension, or disbarment. Additionally, clients may pursue a legal malpractice lawsuit if they suffer harm as a result of their attorney's negligence or misconduct. Such a lawsuit would need to prove that the attorney breached their duty of care to the client and that this breach directly caused the client's damages.