Receiving Instructions

• When a client approaches a lawyer for legal advice, it is the duty of the lawyer to listen keenly and give proper advice regarding the matter at hand. A great deal of objectivity must be maintained at all times, and the interests of the client must be fundamental at all times. This will help maintain the trust the client displays by bringing the matter to the lawyer.
  
  

Advertising

• The lawyer's code of professional conduct specifies disciplinary rules regarding advertising. Any advertisements endorsed by a lawyer or a law firm shall not contain any false statements, any testimonials about a pending matter or use actors to portray lawyers or clients. There are several other regulations that specify detailed instructions on the content of any advertisement. All advertising should include the name of the law firm, address and its telephone number.
  
  

Instructions from Third Parties

• Should it happen that a lawyer receives instructions from someone other than the client, all efforts must be made to ensure their authenticity. The lawyer is supposed to spare no effort in such a case to ensure they get a confirmation of the instructions from the client.
  
  

Conflict of Interest

• When there is any indication of conflict of interest regarding a person who needs legal services--when a business partner, spouse, employee, employer or anyone who is related to them seeks their services--the lawyer must decline taking up such an assignment. A lawyer should not under any circumstances make it appear he or she can use connections to make matters easy for a client without following the due process of the law.
  
  

Confidentiality

• Granted, there are many confidential matters a client is likely to share with his lawyer, and it is the duty of the lawyer to keep that information confidential. This rule applies as long as keeping such information confidential does not break any known law. Even when it becomes necessary that the lawyer disclose said information to the correct authorities, they shall only disclose as much information as is affected by said law.
  
  

Double Representation

• A lawyer is not allowed to receive instructions from a client with the knowledge that the same matter is being handled by another lawyer concurrently. This can only happen if the lawyer knows the other lawyer has ceased representing the client and their dues are not outstanding in relation to the matter at hand. There can only be one exception here: i.e., if the lawyer is informed the interests of the client will be at stake, and even then, the former lawyer must be duly informed of the steps being taken.