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 Kansas, the attorney-client relationship is governed by principles that ensure the integrity and effectiveness of legal representation. Attorneys are required to act in the best interests of their clients, maintaining a fiduciary duty to prioritize the client's needs above their own. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of this relationship, with attorneys obligated to keep client communications private unless the client provides informed consent or an exception applies under the law. This duty of confidentiality continues even after the attorney-client relationship has ended. Furthermore, attorneys must provide competent representation, which includes possessing the legal knowledge, skill, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. They must also advocate zealously within the boundaries of the law and adhere to the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct. Violations of these standards can result in disciplinary action by the Kansas Bar Association and, depending on the circumstances, could lead to a legal malpractice lawsuit where the client must prove that the attorney's breach of duty caused harm or damage.