While it may include attorney and client, stockbroker and customer, real estate agent and buyer, a senior family member and an unsophisticated relative, the relationship is defined on a case-by-case basis, with reliance and dominance the key factors.
Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications between a lawyer and their client that relate to the client's seeking of legal advice or services.
If an attorney-client relationship exists, an attorney owes a duty of confidentiality to the clients. Except in those situations where a court appoints an attorney, the attorney-client relationship is created by contract, either express or implied.
An attorney-client relationship may be implied when: (1) a person seeks legal advice from an attorney; (2) the advice sought is within the attorney's professional competence: (3) and the attorney actually gives the advice.
The establishment of the attorney-client relationship involves two elements: a person seeks advice or assistance from an attorney; and the attorney appears to give, agrees to give or gives the advice or assistance.
Preman, 911 S.W. 2d 288, 301 (Mo. App. 1995) ("The relation between attorney and client is fiduciary and binds the attorney to a scrupulous fidelity to the cause of the client which precludes the attorney from any personal advantage from the abuse of that reposed confidence. . . .
The establishment of the attorney-client relationship involves two elements: a person seeks advice or assistance from an attorney; and the attorney appears to give, agrees to give or gives the advice or assistance.
Professional Ethics: Most legal ethical codes strongly discourage or outright prohibit lawyers from engaging in romantic relationships with clients during representation. This is to maintain professional boundaries and ensure that the lawyer-client relationship is based solely on the client's legal needs.
Canon 1 – A paralegal must not: (a) engage in, encourage, or contribute to any act which could constitute the unauthorized practice of law; (b) establish attorney-client relationships, set fees, give legal opinions or advice, or represent a client before a court or agency unless so authorized by that court or agency; ...
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a paralegal shall not do the following: (1) Provide legal advice. (2) Represent a client in court. (3) Select, explain, draft, or recommend the use of any legal document to or for any person other than the attorney who directs and supervises the paralegal.