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HRS §605-7

Lawyers control cases but need client's written OK to settle

A lawyer who takes your case controls it through the final decision and enforcement. However, the lawyer cannot settle, compromise, or arbitrate your case without your written permission. This rule protects your right to decide how your case ends.

attorneys

The statute, as written — Control of action; power to settle

The practitioners licensed by the supreme court shall have control to judgment and execution, of all suits and defenses confided to them; provided that no practitioner shall have power to compromise, arbitrate, or settle such matters confided to the practitioner, unless upon special authority in writing from the practitioner's client. [CC 1859, §1069; RL 1925, §2310; RL 1935, §3609; RL 1945, §9707; RL 1955, §217-7; HRS §605-7; am L 1972, c 184, §1(d); gen ch 1985]
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.