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 Oklahoma, 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 for disclosure or specific exceptions apply. Furthermore, attorneys must provide competent and diligent representation, adhering to the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. These rules demand that attorneys not only possess the necessary legal knowledge and skill but also prepare adequately and apply themselves zealously within the boundaries of the law. Should an attorney fail to meet these standards, they may face disciplinary action by the Oklahoma Bar Association, which could include reprimand, suspension, or disbarment. Additionally, clients may pursue a legal malpractice lawsuit if they suffer harm as a result of their attorney's negligence or misconduct.