This module discusses what creates an attorney-client relationship. It also defines the attorney's duties of competent representation and diligent advocacy.This relationship is fiduciary in nature and therefore demands utmost fidelity. The relationship is based on contract, agency and fiduciary principles, but cannot solely be characterized as a contractual, agency or fiduciary relationship. I do not provide representation and no attorney-client relationship is formed. The attorney-client relationship affords a distinct, invaluable right to have communications protected from compelled disclosure to any third party. In my experience, patent attorneys refuse to read any "information" from a prospective client prior to forming a relationship. The short answer is no, even the fact someone is a client is supposed to be privileged technically. However, lawyers all do it. Lawyers seek not only justice and successful resolution for clients and others, but also fairness, meaning, and intrinsic and external rewards for themselves.