GUIDELINE 10.5 – RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CLIENT
A. Counsel at all stages of the case should make every appropriate effort to establish a relationship of trust with the client, and should maintain close contact with the client.
B.
1. Barring exceptional circumstances, an interview of the client should be conducted within 24 hours of initial counsel’s entry into the case.
2. Promptly upon entry into the case, initial counsel should communicate in an appropriate manner with both the client and the government regarding the protection of the client’s rights against self-incrimination, to the effective assistance of counsel, and to preservation of the attorney-client privilege and similar safeguards.
3. Counsel at all stages of the case should re-advise the client and the government regarding these matters as appropriate.
C. Counsel at all stages of the case should engage in a continuing interactive dialogue with the client concerning all matters that might reasonably be expected to have a material impact on the case, such as:
1. the progress of and prospects for the factual investigation, and what assistance the client might provide to it;
2. current or potential legal issues;
3. the development of a defense theory;
4. presentation of the defense case;
5. potential agreed-upon dispositions of the case;
6. litigation deadlines and the projected schedule of case-related events; and
7. relevant aspects of the client’s relationship with correctional, parole, or other governmental agents (e.g., prison medical providers or state psychiatrists).