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 Pennsylvania, the attorney-client relationship is governed by rules 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 a cornerstone of this relationship; attorneys are required to keep client communications private, a principle protected under the attorney-client privilege. Lastly, attorneys must provide competent, zealous representation within the legal and ethical boundaries set by the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. Failure to adhere to these standards can result in disciplinary action by the Pennsylvania State Bar, including sanctions, suspension, or disbarment. Additionally, attorneys may face legal malpractice lawsuits if their conduct falls below the profession's accepted standards and causes harm to their clients.