Whitesboro, NY asked in Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Legal Malpractice for New York

Q: Is there a Legal or Ethic meaning to an Attorney's signature?

what is the significance of signing?

3 Lawyer Answers
V. Jonas Urba
V. Jonas Urba
Answered
  • Employment Law Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: I do not understand your question.

Lawyers are generally not parties to contracts. Sometimes lawyers will sign settlement agreements to confirm that they have conferred with and advised clients but lawyers do not in general guarantee compliance or guarantee representations made by another party to an agreement.

Lawyer fee agreements are legally binding documents. Lawyers agree to perform certain specified services to the best of their ability and are bound by the terms they enter with their clients.

The specific language of every agreement must be reviewed word for word to determine the parties to the agreement, the time for performance of acts under the agreement, the consideration or monies which shall be paid pursuant to services provided, and the enforceability and legality of the agreement.

Of course, if a lawyer signs an agreement on behalf of their client, depending on circumstances the agreement may be binding and enforceable. All of the facts and circumstances must be evaluated. Buyers remorse is not always an excuse to get out of an agreement although many agreements have rescission periods. Regardless lawyers are required to keep their clients informed when or if they sign documents on behalf of clients. Local bar associations (county) often have informal mediation or resolution mechanisms if a breakdown in communication occurs between lawyer and client.

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: It depends on the context. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AEesq.com. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.

Barry E. Janay
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Answered
  • Employment Law Lawyer
  • Livingston, NJ
  • Licensed in New York

A: There's no special significance to an attorneys signature per se, however licensed lawyer's have to follow a code of ethics and have certain responsibilities as professionals that they must follow as well.

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