Why Attorney-Client Communication Matters — And What the Rules Require
Most people hire an attorney because they don’t have the legal experience or specialized knowledge needed to effectively protect their own interests. Even experienced lawyers turn to other attorneys when facing issues outside their own area of expertise.
When an attorney agrees to represent a client, they also take on a duty to communicate clearly, honestly, and regularly. In fact, the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC 1.4) impose specific obligations on lawyers to ensure clients remain informed and empowered:
(a) A lawyer shall fully inform a prospective client of how, when, and where the client may communicate with the lawyer.
(b) A lawyer shall keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information.
(c) A lawyer shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.
(d) When a lawyer knows that a client expects assistance not permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law, the lawyer shall advise the client of the relevant limitations on the lawyer's conduct.
While it may seem obvious that communication is a core part of an attorney’s job, breakdowns in communication are a leading cause of client dissatisfaction — and can significantly affect the outcome of a case. Failing to meet these duties may even rise to the level of legal malpractice.
If you believe your attorney failed to meet their ethical obligations and you’ve suffered harm due to poor communication, contact Simon Law Group, LLC. Our team has deep experience in legal malpractice matters and can help you understand your rights and options.
Call today 800-709-1131 or text us below.
