1 Advising or Assisting the Violation of Law Rule 1.3 Diligence Rule 1.4 Communication with Clients Rule 1.4. Formation of an attorney-client relationship.An attorney-client relationship is essentially formed when the attorney agrees to represent the client and move forward with the client. When a party seeking legal advice consults an attorney at law and secures that advice, the relation of attorney and client is established prima facie. Formal Agreement: Often, the relationship officially begins when you sign a retainer agreement with the attorney. What is the Attorney-Client Relationship? Do You Have Any Questions? Any time there's a change in legal representation in a California civil suit, form MC-050 Substitution of Attorney–Civil must be filled out. Formation of the Client-Lawyer Relationship. In addition, they include the duty to release the client file back to the client or to the client's new attorney.