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.
Except when created by court appointment, the attorney-client relationship may be found to exist based on the intent and conduct of the parties and the reasonable expectations of the potential client.
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.
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; ...
Q: At what point in time does the privilege legally begin? A: Immediately — as soon as those three elements are met (the lawyer-client; private communication, and for purposes of legal 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.
Canon 3 – A paralegal may perform any task which is properly delegated and supervised by an attorney, as long as the attorney is ultimately responsible to the client, maintains a direct relationship with the client, and assumes professional responsibility for the work product.
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.