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. These standards are enforced by the New York State Bar Association and are codified in the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. If an attorney fails to adhere to these obligations, they may face disciplinary action by the state bar, which can range from admonition to disbarment, depending on the severity of the misconduct. Additionally, clients may pursue a legal malpractice lawsuit if they suffer damages as a result of their attorney's negligence or breach of duty. Such lawsuits require the client to prove that the attorney's conduct fell below the standard of care for the legal profession, and that this conduct directly caused the client's harm.