What is required under the duty to communicate with clients?

The requirement under the duty to communicate with clients emphasizes that lawyers must keep their clients adequately informed about the status of their cases. This obligation is rooted in ensuring that clients are able to make informed decisions regarding their legal matters. Effective communication fosters a collaborative relationship between the lawyer and the client and helps to build trust.

By keeping clients updated on developments, timelines, and any pertinent information regarding their cases, lawyers allow clients to feel engaged and participatory in their legal processes. This duty also extends to discussing potential strategies and risks, thereby enabling clients to fully understand the implications of any actions taken on their behalf.

Open and continuous communication is crucial not just at pivotal stages or at the end of a case; it should occur throughout the entire legal process. It is not sufficient for clients to be expected to seek updates themselves, nor is it appropriate for lawyers to limit communication only to negative developments. All relevant information must be shared to uphold the ethical obligation of fostering transparency and mutual understanding.