LAC 22:XV.1103. Obligations of Defense Counsel

A. The primary and most fundamental obligation of an attorney representing a parent in a child in need of care or a termination of parental rights case is to provide zealous and effective representation for his or her client at all stages of the process. The defense attorney's duty and responsibility is to promote and protect the expressed interests of the client. If personal matters make it impossible for the defense counsel to fulfill the duty of zealous representation, he or she has a duty to refrain from representing the client. Attorneys also have an obligation to uphold the ethical standards of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, to act in accordance with the Louisiana Rules of Court, and to properly document case files to reflect adherence to the standards.