Attorney agreement

Name (first and last):

Email address:

I will comply with all Rules of Professional Conduct governing my law license including:

Rules of Professional Conduct:

Providing competent representation to my client by ensuring I have a basic understanding of the issues with which I am helping my client and planning for getting additional assistance or consultation as needed;
Providing my client with prompt and diligent representation;
Communicating with my client in an effective and timely manner;
Explaining the legal process and proceedings with which I am providing assistance;
Providing explanations of the consequences of certain legal actions to my client;
Ensuring that my client understands his/her legal rights and options;
Providing an interpreter for meetings with my client to ensure he/she is able to communicate and understand the legal representation;
Maintaining confidentiality;
Treating my pro bono client with the same professionalism and commitment as I would a paying client;
Maintaining a complete record of my pro bono case including copies of all filings and notes regarding my client's case.

In the course of representing my client, I will:

Representation duties:

Contact the client as soon as possible after receiving contact information but no later than within two weeks of accepting the case unless the timing of the case requires immediate contact;
Meet with my client regularly to prepare the case;
Keep track of and meet all filing deadlines with USCIS/Immigration Court/BIA/Circuit Court;
Find and provide an interpreter for all client meetings and interviews needed;
Communicate with my client about the status of the case;
Return phone calls to the client within a reasonable time;
Assume all costs of representation. I understand that The Advocates cannot cover costs or provide reimbursement;
Read The Advocates' Asylum Manual and sign onto www.probono.net/asylum to stay current on asylum developments;
Be alert for legal issues outside of the representation agreement's scope of representation and make appropriate referrals for help in addressing other legal issues or social service needs;
Complete the case unless there are reasons to withdraw pursuant to the representation/retainer agreement.

I understand that I may withdraw from the case in the following circumstances:

Permissible situations for withdrawal:

The client has not been honest about his/her income and/or property and/or family status and would not be eligible for free legal services upon disclosure;
The client hires a private attorney to handle the case;
Continuing with the representation would violate the Rules of Professional Conduct;
The client is convicted of a crime;
The client does not cooperate in the preparation of the case.

Should withdrawal become necessary or should I wish to withdraw from a case, I understand and agree to the following:

Conditions of withdrawal:

I will adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct regarding the effect of withdrawal on the client;
I understand that the above reasons are the only situations in which withdrawal prior to the completion of my stage of representation is appropriate;
I understand that The Advocates does not guarantee a new attorney for my client in any circumstance in which I withdraw.

I will complete and return to The Advocates the Representation Agreement specifying the issues for which I am providing services. I understand that failure to complete this agreement means that I am not receiving malpractice insurance through The Advocates. If the scope of representation changes, I will complete a new Representation Agreement in order to ensure that my representation is covered by The Advocates' insurance policy.

Representation Agreement:

I agree.

I will keep track of and report to The Advocates the number of hours and costs for my case. I will notify The Advocates at the conclusion of the representation (or stage of representation) and provide a copy of the decision in the case. I will notify The Advocates if my contact information changes.

Reporting on the case:

I agree.

I will notify The Advocates of any issues that arise during the representation of my client which affect the case, my client, or my duty as attorney.

Client issues and concerns:

I agree.

Please type your name indicating that you have read and agree to all the terms listed in the agreement,

Signature:

Date: