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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina State Bar and the Rules of Professional Conduct. If an attorney fails to adhere to these standards, they may face disciplinary action by the North Carolina State Bar, which has the authority to impose sanctions ranging from reprimands to 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.