What is NOT part of a lawyer's responsibility towards a prospective client?

A lawyer's responsibility towards a prospective client includes several key obligations that help maintain the integrity of the attorney-client relationship and uphold the standards of the profession. One crucial aspect is the duty to keep discussions confidential; this trust allows clients to share sensitive information freely without fear of disclosure. Additionally, lawyers must avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring that their representation is not compromised by competing interests that may arise from prior or concurrent representations.

Providing informed consent regarding potential conflicts is also essential, as it allows the prospective client to make knowledgeable decisions about whether to engage the lawyer, understanding any risks involved in the representation.

In contrast, the idea that a lawyer must form a binding relationship immediately is not accurate. A binding attorney-client relationship is typically established only when both the lawyer and the client agree to the terms of representation, often formalized through a retainer agreement or engagement letter. Until such agreement is reached, the lawyer does not owe the full spectrum of duties that accompanies an established attorney-client relationship, including the responsibility to represent the client zealously. Thus, the lack of an immediate binding relationship distinguishes it from the other responsibilities that are inherent even in initial discussions with prospective clients.