Judges and court personnel are not allowed to give you any legal advice as your case progresses. Lawyers are trained to provide professional legal assistance to you, to be aware of all court procedures, filing requirements, deadlines and other details which a non-lawyer could easily overlook. Such products are not updated to reflect changes in the law from year to year. Fixed fee, in which a flat fee is charged for a specific routine service, such as an uncontested divorce, a simple bankruptcy or a will. If no recovery is made, the client pays only the expenses.
Many lawyers require a retainer in certain types of legal matters.
South Dakota lawyers are governed by the South Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct. Failure to follow the Rules can result in disciplinary sanctions ranging from a private reprimand to disbarment. Many disagreements between lawyers and clients are simple misunderstandings or failures to communicate. Often these can be resolved by discussing the problem directly with your lawyer. The Disciplinary Board will send a copy of your complaint to the lawyer and require that he respond within a specified time period.