Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1252566
6 • Leading Lawyers • 5.31.2020 A lawyer's obligation to you includes the duty to provide competent representation. Competent representation means that the attorney possesses the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation that are required by your case. A lawyer must also represent you with reasonable diligence, promptness, and should make reasonable efforts to expedite your case. Your attorney's obligations may also come from your engagement letter. In the engagement letter prepared by your attorney and signed by you, there will generally be a provision that addresses the scope of the attorney's representation of you, as well as his or her obligations to you as a client. If at the time you hire an attorney you are unclear about his or her obligations to you as a client, you should ask specific questions. In order to benefit from the attorney-client relationship, you should fully understand and be comfortable with both your obligations to your attorney, as well as your attorney's obligations to you as a client. Your obligations to your attorney Your obligations to your attorney include fully and accurately disclosing all of the facts and details regarding your case, as well as any developments or changes in the facts that may arise. It is your duty to cooperate with your attorney to allow for an efficient, timely resolution of your case. It is your obligation to make yourself available for communication with your attorney, including telephone calls and office conferences. Also, you may be responsible for attending proceedings such as depositions, hearings, and trial if required by the circumstances of your case. Do attorneys have a code of ethics they must follow? Yes. e code of ethics in Arkansas is called the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct. ese rules govern the client- lawyer relationship, a lawyer's transactions with people other than clients, a lawyer's role as advocate and counselor, law firms and associations, and a lawyer's pro bono public service. Each of the rules is designed to maintain the integrity of the legal profession while defining the expectations and obligations of attorneys to their clients and others. If you believe your attorney is in violation of the ethical rules that govern attorneys, you may file a complaint with the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct. Courtesy: Arkansas Bar Association Leading Lawyer Listings CoNTINueD FroM PAGe 5 Working with an attorney: what should I expect? Areas of Focus: Personal Injury, Social Security, Debt Collection, Contract Disbute Kirby McDonald Kirby McDonald 26 East Meadow, Ste. 8 Fayetteville, AR 72701 www.arkansaslawpartners.com 479-332-4042 Education: University of Arkansas School of Law - Fayetteville Area of Focus: Personal Injury Elliott & Smith Law Firm 4302 N. Waterside Ct. Fayetteville, AR 72703 Phone: 479-587-8423 www.elliottsmithlaw.com Serious injury. Serious help Over 100 years of combined experience Elliott & Smith Law Firm Areas of Focus: Domestic Relations/Family Law Amelia Lynn Hoke Amelia Lynn Hoke 915 W. Trimble Berryville, AR 72616 amelia@arkansaslawpartners.com www.arkansaslawpartners.com 870-423-2317 Education: University of Arkansas School of Law - Fayetteville Areas of Focus: Business Litigation, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts, Probate Kelley Law Firm 303 West Walnut Rogers, AR 72756 Phone: 479-636-1051 kelley-law.net firm@kelley-law.net Three Generations Serving NWA Since 1968 Kelley law Firm