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 Alabama, the attorney-client relationship is governed by rules that mandate attorneys to maintain a high standard of professional responsibility. These rules require that an attorney must always act in the best interests of their client, maintain the confidentiality of client communications, and provide competent, zealous representation within the legal and ethical boundaries set by the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct. If an attorney in Alabama fails to adhere to these standards, they may face disciplinary action by the Alabama State Bar, which has the authority to enforce professional conduct and discipline attorneys for violations. Additionally, if an attorney's breach of duty results in harm to their client, the client may have grounds to file a legal malpractice lawsuit against the attorney. Such a lawsuit would typically need to demonstrate that the attorney's conduct fell below the standard of care for the legal profession, directly causing damage to the client.