Our Obligations to Clients
We have straightforward relationships with our clients, and will represent you with integrity.
To keep you informed
There are ethical rules that apply to all lawyers. In Missouri, Rule 4-1.4 requires us to keep you reasonably informed, and promptly respond to your requests for information. You can call, email or text us with your requests.
To give you access to your file
If our clients want anything from their file, like medical records or our work, we will give it to you.
Learn more | Missouri rules regarding file retention
To tell you the truth
We are always required to tell our clients the truth, even if it’s unpleasant. We will tell you if we don’t think you have a case worth pressing. Going forward, we will tell you how we think your case is going, and, once we have all the relevant information, we will tell you what we think your case is worth.
Learn more | Ethics Rule 4-2.1: Advisor
To Return phone calls/emails/texts
Our clients can call, email or text us, and it’s our obligation to get back to them within a reasonable time. Sometimes, unless its urgent, it can take a couple of days. If we mess up and don’t get back within a reasonable time, tell our staff and they will make sure we do.
Learn more | Ethics Rule 4-1.4: Communication
To follow your directions
We know that the case, and the important decisions on a case, belong to the client. We will not make important decisions on your case, like how much to ask for or how much to take in settlement, without consulting you. If we don’t agree with a decision you make, we will tell you, and we may have the right to withdraw, but the important decisions are always yours.
Learn more | Ethics Rule 4-2.1: Advisor
To be on your side
As long as we represent you, we are ethically required to act only in your interest, within the bounds of our ethical rules. We will not take or press frivolous claims, and we cannot present false evidence or testimony.
Learn more | Preamble: A Lawyer’s Responsibilities ALSO | Ethics Rule 4-3.1: Meritorious Claims
To be competent and diligent
We are ethically bound to handle your case competently and reasonably quickly. Court cases, however, take years even when diligently pursued.
Learn more | Ethics Rule 4-1.1: Competence ALSO | Ethics Rule 4-1.3: Diligence
To guard confidentiality
We are ethically bound to keep your private information confidential. We can’t go around talking about your private information, to our friends, family or other lawyers. There are some things we may be required to reveal because you are suing — like prior convictions, or your prior medical history. We will tell you what you have to reveal, and what you don’t.