What does "informed consent" mean in legal representation?

In legal representation, "informed consent" refers specifically to the agreement by a client to a proposed course of conduct after adequate communication of information. This concept is fundamental in the attorney-client relationship, as it encompasses both the client's understanding of the legal matters involved and the consequences of their decisions.

When a lawyer provides information about the implications of a particular action or decision and the client fully understands that information before consenting, they are then giving informed consent. This is crucial for ensuring that clients make decisions that align with their best interests, based on a comprehensive understanding of their legal situation.

Informed consent is also pivotal in establishing trust and transparency between the attorney and the client, fostering a collaborative relationship that respects the autonomy of the client to make informed choices about their legal representation.