The revised rules, effective July 1, 2016, for Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct and Attorney Trust Accounts are found under Maryland Rules. An attorney shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.The attorney-client relationship affords a distinct, invaluable right to have communications protected from compelled disclosure to any third party. Maryland criminal defense attorney Seth Okin understands that one of the keys to being successful is maintaining a strong-attorney client relationship. The client may wish to have family members or other persons participate in discussions with the lawyer. In a new client-attorney relationship, however, an understanding as to fees and expenses must be promptly established. If my client is not paying his attorney bill, we have a breakdown in our relationship.