What constitutes "reasonable diligence" in a legal case?

Reasonable diligence in a legal case is fundamentally about a lawyer's commitment to actively manage and advance a client's case with the necessary thoroughness and care. This includes keeping clients informed about significant developments, making timely filings and responses, and proactively addressing issues that arise during the course of representation.

By keeping clients informed, a lawyer ensures that the client understands the status of their case and can participate meaningfully in the decision-making process. Timely action is critical because delays can adversely affect the client's interests, such as missing deadlines that could lead to the loss of rights or legal claims. Thus, ongoing communication and timely responsiveness exemplify reasonable diligence and adherence to professional obligations.

The other choices focus on passive or inadequate approaches to client representation. For instance, waiting for a client to prompt action does not meet the expectations of proactive legal advocacy. Similarly, limiting work hours to only business hours does not acknowledge the need for flexibility and responsiveness that might be required at any time, particularly in urgent matters. Finally, engaging in multiple cases without proper focus can lead to neglect of a client's case due to divided attention, which directly contrasts with the principle of reasonable diligence.