10 Rules of the Road for Trial Lawyers – Protecting Clients and Preventing Legal Malpractice (Rule 4)

Rule of the Road No. 4: A trial lawyer must tell the client the truth.

This rule should go without saying, but, regrettably, it must be said again and again. In my experience, few actions by lawyers infuriate clients more than the sense that their lawyer has not told the truth or told them only half-truths. Sometimes lawyers are reluctant to give clients bad news. Sometimes lawyers don’t want to admit their mistakes. (A wise lawyer once said, “Crow is best eaten while young.”)

Telling the client the truth is not only a moral imperative, it is part of effective communication with the client. See Rule of the Road No. 3 above. A client cannot make an informed decision if the lawyer does not tell the client the truth. See Model Rule 1.0(e) Rules of Professional Conduct (defining “informed consent”).

Published by
Michael T. Mihm

Recent Posts

Is Colorado a No-Fault State? How Car Accident Claims Work

Colorado is not a no-fault state. It operates under an at-fault (tort) system, meaning the…

6 days ago

Non-Pecuniary vs. Pecuniary Losses: What They Mean for Your Case

Terms such as pecuniary losses and non-pecuniary losses can feel technical and unfamiliar, particularly at…

6 days ago

Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis: What Doctors Look For

In Denver, people spend significant time on the road, at work, and in active environments.…

2 weeks ago

Can You Sue Someone for a Sports Injury in Colorado?

Yes, potentially. In some cases, injuries result from unsafe conditions, reckless conduct, or failures in…

2 weeks ago

What Is the Average Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Denver?

There is no true or single average settlement for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in…

2 weeks ago

What Types of Brain Injuries Can Occur After a Car Accident?

Potential traumatic brain injuries (TBI) sustained in a car accident include: Concussions Brain contusions Coup-contrecoup…

2 weeks ago