The attorney and counselor at law plays a vital role in civil litigation and appellate practice in Florida. Burlington & Rockenbach, P.A., is nationally known for its vigorous advocacy and devotion to client service, so we appreciate this role as much as (if not more than) anyone.

The term “attorney and counselor at law” describes the duties a lawyer owes to the community as a whole and to each client. An attorney and counselor at law is employed to advise clients concerning their legal rights and to represent them before the courts. The ethical lawyer participates in the administration of justice through candid and courteous conduct and instructs clients in their rights under the law.

The duties of attorneys and counselors at law require that the lawyer a citizen seeks out be competent, honest, communicative, loyal, and dedicated to the principles of justice. A citizen seeking the services of a lawyer promises to cooperate with the lawyer in pursuit of his or her legal rights. In turn, the lawyer is charged with the duty to hold in confidence her client’s information and requests for advice, to treat adversaries and witnesses with fairness and respect, and to take no action against her client.

These duties stem from the lawyer’s relationship with the court system generally as well as with individual clients and adversaries in particular. These duties are too numerous to mention individually and are only briefly noted herein.

For example, lawyers owe a duty of competence. Competent execution of legal work depends upon both substantive knowledge and satisfactory performance. For more information on the responsibilities of legal professionals, you can visit the American Bar Association’s page on competence.