Below is a brief statement of the standards of Adequate Professional Service ( or
what is commonly called client care standards) set by the Law Society of Singapore
for lawyers under the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct) Rules ( the Rules)
1998:
STANDARDS OF ADEQUATE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
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Provide diligent legal service to his client;
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Ensure that as a lawyer, he is competent to conduct the client’s case;
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Complete work within a reasonable time;
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Keep a client informed on the progress of his case;
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Acknowledge receipt of client money or securities;
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Provide a statement of accounts to a client upon the client’s request;
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Unless the lawyer has reasonable grounds, respond to calls and keep appointments
with his client;
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Explain to his client important developments in his case;
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Explain to a client the manner in which he (the lawyer) would charge for his services,
describe payments a client would be required to make, provide an estimate of fees
to a client and deliver bills of costs to a client at regular intervals; ( see rules 35 and 36 of the Rules enclosed)
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Discuss with the client the possible risks or expenses proceedings with a case.
A lawyer who fails to meet the standards described above can be subjected to a complaint
of inadequate professional service made by a client under section 75B of the Legal
Profession Act. Visit the section "Complaints against lawyers" for further information.