What is a duty owed by a lawyer in the formation of an attorney-client relationship?

In the context of an attorney-client relationship, a lawyer has a duty to accept court appointments unless there is good cause not to do so. This duty is grounded in the principle that attorneys serve the legal system and the public by fulfilling their obligations to represent clients, especially those who may not be able to afford legal representation. When an attorney is appointed by the court, they are expected to fulfill that role unless there are valid reasons—such as conflicts of interest or issues related to competence—that prevent them from providing effective representation.

This reflects the commitment lawyers have to ensure that individuals have access to legal representation and justice in the court system. The underlying ethics of the profession emphasize responsibility towards clients and the continuity of legal services, particularly in cases where the court identifies a need for representation.

The other possibilities do not accurately represent duties in the attorney-client relationship or are not ethically mandated. For example, lawyers are not required to take on all client representations unconditionally, nor are they obligated to document every communication or to guarantee success in every case they undertake, as this would not align with the realistic nature of legal practice and outcomes.