An attorneyclient relationship forms when there is an expressed verbal or written representation agreement. The client, not the lawyer, is usually responsible for paying most costs.The Restatement (Third) of the Law. Attorney and client. Lawyer-client relationships sometimes end earlier than the lawyer and client anticipated at the start of the representation. Attorney-client privilege is established when an individual asks a lawyer for legal advice in a confidential setting. An evidentiary standard about whether the privileged conversations and emails between an attorney and client can be used as evidence in a court proceeding. A person who consults with a lawyer about the possibility of forming a client-lawyer relationship with respect to a matter is a prospective client. In this blog, criminal defense lawyer Craig Orent breaks down attorneyclient privilege, what it means, and how it can affect your case. The attorney and client sign a contract stating what the attorney is assisting with for the case .