CLIENT STATEMENT OF RIGHTS

You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer's office.  To Gary O’Brien, this means respect for you and your matter, both of which are taken seriously regardless of how big or small. As a token of respect, Gary O’Brien aims to answer every phone call instead of allowing voicemail to do the important job of talking to clients. Of course, sometimes there is no one available to answer the phone, so we strive to return all calls the same day. In addition, courtesy and consideration means that no question is too simple or stupid and all inquiries will be treated with respect. 

You are entitled to an attorney capable of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession.  If you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to withdraw from the attorney-client relationship at any time (court approval may be required in some matters and your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services rendered to you up to the point of discharge).Gary O’Brien believes that Competence and Diligence are the foundation of any respectable law practice. Gary O’Brien couples Competence and Diligence with pragmatic, economical solutions for his clients. 

You are entitled to your lawyer's independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.This is where O’Brien Law Office has a big advantage over large firms. Large firms frequently have conflicts of interest and request waivers for such conflicts. This is far less likely to be an issue at O’Brien Law Office, but if it is, we assure you that any potential conflicts will be fully disclosed and if you are not comfortable, we will make a referral to other competent counsel. 

You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing.  You are entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable intervals.  You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory.  In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.Gary O’Brien will tell you at the outset of a matter the fees to be charged and how they will be computed. Gary O’Brien will bill monthly unless otherwise agreed at the outset of a matter. Monthly billing helps both client and lawyer keep track of the cost of a matter and budget accordingly. Unlike most law practices, Gary O’Brien does not charge for all disbursements, e.g., first class mail, local phone calls, photocopying, etc., however, large disbursements, overnight delivery service, and other outside fees are billed at cost without markup.

You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone calls returned promptly.Gary O’Brien strives to answer all phone calls, however, when that is not possible, messages will be returned the same day or the next morning. Gary O’Brien takes all questions and concerns seriously and treats all matters with respect. 

You are entitled to be kept informed as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies of papers. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter.If you have to call the office to find out the status of your matter then Gary O’Brien is not doing his job. You will be copied on correspondence related to your matter. No substantive or material decisions will be made without your consent. Gary O’Brien will brief you on the risks and benefits of each issue and counsel you in making all substantive and material decisions. 

You are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your attorney, including whether or not to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is required in some matters).Gary O’Brien respects all clients and considers all their objections and concerns. 

You have the right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.To the extent permitted by law, your conversations and correspondence will be kept confidential by Gary O’Brien. Gary O’Brien understands that without this confidence many clients will not be comfortable sharing important details of a matter. Sometimes, these details can alter the outcome of a matter.

You are entitled to have your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility.O’Brien Law Office will, at all times, comply with the highest standards of professional conduct. 

You may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or disability.  Discrimination and intolerance of any type is repulsive to the practice of law and to Gary O’Brien personally. All clients will be treated with dignity and respect.