O U T S T A N D I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Goes the extra mile for the client
• Take pride in work
• Shows a sense of caring for justice in the matter
• Advises against unethical practice even though it may be legal
• Shows sincere regard for the fact that lives are involved
• Is willing to report judge or other lawyers who engage in serious misconduct

C O M P E T E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Provides sufficient information to permit the client to make informed decisions
• Puts clients' interests ahead of lawyer's own interest
• Has basic working knowledge of facts and law
• Communicates with client in easy-to-understand manner
• Explains what's important and when things should happen in case
• Does not let a client's relatives or other third persons interfere with representation or make decisions affecting representation, even if the third person, such as a spouse, is paying the lawyer.
• Discloses evidence of a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse of a child by the attorneys client

S U B S T A N D A R D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Seems more concerned in obtaining clients money or property than in defending client's rights
• Keeps client in the dark about significant developments on the case
• Fails to adequately explain client's rights
• Fails to prepare client for hearing or trial
• Acts in threatening, intimidating or bullying manner will client
• Does not willingly cooperate in the exchange of information and documents
• Fails to itemize bill for client or explain charges

DANGEROUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Signs stipulations or agreements with opposing side without getting client's approval
• Overcharges client using deceptive billing tactics
• Creates unnecessary or excessive litigation to illegitimately boost legal fees
• Deceives or intentionally misleads opposing counsel or judge
• Leads client to believe client is going to trial only to pressure client into settlement at the last minute
• Show signs of colluding with other side
• Conceals theft of client's property by creating a deceptive paper or transactional facade to disguise the true nature of what has occurred
• Breaches confidentiality with client
• Mishandles case and lies to client to cover up mistakes
• Refuses to return unearned portion of retainer
• Dumps client when the client's money runs out
• Starts sexual relationship with client at the time of representation