What is special about the relationship between lawyers and clients?

What you say to your lawyer is confidential and cannot be repeated without your permission. Why? Because a lawyer cannot properly represent you and defend your interests without knowing the truth. Clients need to be able to talk openly
and freely with their lawyers and tell them everything that has happened that is relevant to the situation. You can feel confident that your discussions with your lawyer are private and protected by solicitor-client privilege.

Lawyers need their clients to tell them the facts and details that are relevant to the case. Come prepared for your first meeting with your lawyer. Bring the papers, bills, receipts and any other information that you think might be important.

Lawyers also need their clients to be clear about what they want. Sometimes, you will need to know more about the law and to get legal advice before you can decide exactly what you want to do. The important thing is to make sure you discuss
your goals with your lawyer, and to talk together again if something happens that makes you want to change your goals. Like anyone else providing you with a service, lawyers expect you to pay your bills on time.

Tip # 1 — Be honest with your lawyer. Dealing with the unexpected — something you have kept hidden from your lawyer — can be costly.

Tip # 2 — Ask questions if you don’t understand something your lawyer says.
This is not a time to be shy or afraid of sounding uninformed. You need to understand the information and advice your lawyer gives you, so that you can make decisions and instruct your lawyer on what you want to do.