Rules of Engagement &

Practice for Lawyers

Last updated: 23rd of March, 2025

1. Professional Standards

1.1 Professional Conduct

Ethical Compliance: Lawyers must adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct in accordance with the rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. Lawyers shall uphold and observe the rule of law, promote and foster the cause of justice, maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and shall not engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner.

1.2 Licensure & Compliance

  • • Maintain an active, unrestricted license to practice law in your jurisdiction(s).
  • • Comply with all ethical rules and anti-discrimination laws.

1.3 Competence & Diligence

  • • Only accept cases within your area of expertise.
  • • Provide services with the diligence, competence, and timeliness expected of a legal professional.

2. Client Engagement

2.1 Transparent Communication

  • • Clearly explain your fee structure, scope of services, and availability in client agreements.
  • • Respond to client inquiries within 6 hours (unless emergencies prevail).

2.2 Conflicts of Interest

  • • Conduct thorough conflict checks before accepting a client.
  • • Disclose any potential conflicts to clients and the Platform immediately.

2.3 Confidentiality

  • • Uphold attorney-client privilege and safeguard all client data using the Platform's encrypted tools.
  • • Do not discuss case details outside the Platform's secure Client Portal.

2.4 Quality of Service

Quality Assurance: Lawyers must strive to provide high-quality legal services to clients, meeting or exceeding professional standards of competence and diligence.

Feedback: Lawyers should actively seek feedback from clients to improve the quality of their services and the client experience on the Platform.

3. Use of Platform Tools

3.1 Profile Accuracy

  • • Ensure your profile reflects current licensure, practice areas, experience, and availability.
  • Prohibited: Misleading claims (e.g., fake reviews, exaggerated success rates).

3.2 AI & Automation

  • • Use AI tools (e.g., document drafting, research) as supplements, not substitutes for legal judgment.
  • • Verify the accuracy of AI-generated content before sharing with clients or courts.

3.3 Client Matching

  • • Only accept cases through the Platform's matching system that align with your expertise.
  • • Decline requests outside the Platform's scope with a brief, professional explanation.

4. Fee & Billing Practices

4.1 Fee Transparency

  • • Disclose all costs upfront, including hourly rates, fixed rates, flat fees, or contingency arrangements.
  • Prohibited: Hidden charges or post-hoc fee increases without client consent.

4.2 Payment Processing

  • • Use the Platform's secure payment gateway for all transactions.
  • • Issue invoices promptly and provide detailed billing statements upon request.

4.3 Refund Policy

  • • Honor refunds for unrendered services as stated in your client agreement.
  • • Report disputes to the Platform's support team for mediation.

5. Compliance & Ethics

5.1 Advertising & Marketing

  • • Adhere to bar rules regarding solicitation and advertising.
  • Prohibited: Spamming clients or making misleading claims (e.g., "guaranteed wins").

5.2 Data Privacy

  • • Use the Platform's encrypted tools for all client communications and document sharing.
  • • Do not store client data on unsecured personal devices.

5.3 Regulatory Updates

  • • Monitor and comply with legal changes in your jurisdiction using the Platform's compliance alerts.

6. Dispute Resolution

6.1 Client Complaints

  • • Address grievances promptly and professionally.
  • • Escalate unresolved issues to the Platform's Dispute Resolution Team within 7 days.

6.2 Platform Mediation

Cooperate fully with investigations into alleged misconduct or breaches of these Rules.

7. Termination & Consequences

7.1 Account Suspension

The Platform may suspend or terminate accounts for:

  • • License suspension or disciplinary action.
  • • Repeated client complaints or ethical violations.
  • • Fraudulent activity (e.g., fake reviews, identity fraud).

7.2 Post-Termination Obligations

  • • Fulfill all ongoing client obligations or facilitate smooth transitions to new counsel.
  • • Delete Platform data from personal devices and return confidential materials.

8. Acknowledgment

By using PocketLawyers.io, you affirm that you:

  • • Have read, understood and agree to abide by these Rules, our Terms of Use, Disclaimer, Cookie and Privacy Policy of these Rules to
  • • Understand that failure to comply with these Rules may result in suspension or termination of Services on the Platform.
  • • Will report violations of these Rules to [email protected].

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