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

• Provide diligent legal service to his client;

• Ensure that as a lawyer, he is competent to conduct the client’s case;

• Complete work within a reasonable time;

• Keep a client informed on the progress of his case;

• Acknowledge receipt of client money or securities;

• Provide a statement of accounts to a client upon the client’s request;

• Unless the lawyer has reasonable grounds, respond to calls and keep appointments with his client;

• Explain to his client important developments in his case;

• 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)

• 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.