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Glite Dictionary
attorney-client relation

attorney-client relation

4.5
A relationship where a lawyer must act for a client's best interests and keep matters private
  • noun
  • /əˈtɜrniˌklaɪənt rɪˈleɪʃən/
  • Formal
translation icon : relación abogado-cliente
  • The attorney-client relation is built on trust and confidentiality.

Examples

  • The attorney-client relation ensures that clients can speak freely to their lawyers without fear of disclosure.

  • A serious breach of the attorney-client relation may lead to professional disciplinary action.

  • Understanding the attorney-client relation is essential for anyone seeking legal advice.

  • The attorney-client relation is fundamental to legal practice.

  • In a strong attorney-client relation, trust is essential.

  • A lawyer must maintain their attorney-client relation by keeping all communications confidential.

  • When entering an attorney-client relation, clients should understand their rights and the lawyer's obligations.

Synonyms

lawyer-client relation
vsattorney-client relation
  • Formal
4.1

A professional relationship in which a lawyer must act for a client's benefit and keep information secret

emphasizes formal legal status and duties rather than general professional aspects

Surface Forms

attorney-client relation singular
attorney-client relations plural

Morphology

attorney-client + relation

The phrase transparently combines 'attorney' (lawyer) and 'client' (a person represented) with 'relation' (a connection), so a learner can directly infer it means the relationship between a lawyer and their client. Although some legal nuances (privilege, specific duties) are technical, the basic relational meaning is clear from the constituents for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Attorney-client relation comes from the simple image of a lawyer, the attorney, sitting with the person they advise, the client, in private. The lawyer keeps the client's secrets and works for their 'best interests', so the phrase means the special trust and responsibility between them.