Guideline B-1 on Client Participation in the Conduct of Representation
Guideline
Consistent with ethical and legal obligations, a practitioner must abide by the client's decision regarding the objectives of representation, must reasonably consult with the client regarding the means used to achieve those objectives, and must keep the client reasonably informed of the status of the matter.
Commentary
General Considerations
Effective legal representation involves a relationship in which the practitioner brings professional knowledge and skills to bear on a client's legal problem. This special expertise, however, does not empower the practitioner to determine the desired outcome in the client's case. Final decisions regarding the objectives of the representation must remain with the client, who is the person directly affected by the matter and who will live with the consequences of its resolution. The practitioner has authority to determine the appropriate course of action to be taken to accomplish the client's objective, but in ongoing relationships should reasonably consult with the client. A practitioner acting on behalf of a client has an obligation to keep the client reasonably informed about the conduct of the matter and of important developments in it.
Some clients may be minors or have limited capacity, or be subject to legal constraints such as conservatorships. The practitioner should consider the applicable ethical and legal obligations that may apply to decision-making about the interests of such clients.
Determining the Objective
As a general rule, a practitioner must defer to the client regarding the objectives for legal representation undertaken on the client's behalf. Practitioners have a responsibility to identify reasonable outcomes that may be expected and strategic options for achieving them, and to let the client decide on the desired outcome. Many legal aid clients have little experience with the legal system and some may lack the confidence to make necessary decisions about their case. As a consequence, legal aid practitioners should make an extra effort to explain options and probable consequences to their clients.They should be careful to avoid substituting their judgment for that of clients who are uncertain about what option to choose or who may want to defer to the professional opinion of the practitioner.
Determining the objective in limited representation. The general rule that the client determines the objective that the practitioner seeks on the client's behalf does not strictly apply when the organization is only offering limited representation. An organization may also impose resource priorities, according to Standard 3.2. If an organization is only offering legal advice, limited intervention, or if resource constraints are properly imposed, the organization's assistance may not be adequate to accomplish all the objectives that a client might otherwise want. The practitioner can, however, consistent with ethical obligations, offer a lesser level of service, provided that the service is reasonable in the circumstances and the client provides informed consent.
Other limitations on the objective sought by the client. There are circumstances where professional responsibility rules prohibit a practitioner from pursuing an objective or a course of conduct desired by a client. A practitioner may not pursue a frivolous or malicious claim, allow a client to present false evidence, or aid a client in illegal activity.If a client suggests an improper objective or strategy, the practitioner is ethically obligated to explain the prohibitions against pursuing the objective or conduct.If the client persists, the practitioner may have to withdraw from the case.
Client Participation in Strategic Decisions
Tactical and strategic decisions about the conduct of the case in general are left to the professional judgment of the practitioner, but the client must generally be consulted, particularly about major strategic choices or about actions that may detrimentally affect third parties.There are circumstances when a practitioner may take actions without consulting the client. Some actions are implicitly authorized in order for the practitioner to carry out the representation. At other times, circumstances may call for the practitioner to exercise immediate professional judgment and consulting a client may not be practical. Trial practice, for instance, involves many tactical judgments about which the practitioner would not be expected to consult the client.The practitioner should, in such circumstances, keep the client reasonably informed of actions taken. There are circumstances when a practitioner and client may disagree about the means to be used to pursue the client's objective. The comment to Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(a) notes that generally the client will defer to the professional judgment of the practitioner, "particularly with respect to technical, legal and tactical matters." The practitioner generally defers to the client with regard to a course of action that will result in an expense to the client or may adversely affect a third party. In the event that the practitioner and client cannot agree on a proper course, it is permissible for the practitioner to withdraw.
Communication with the Client
Clients should receive full and timely information on developments in their case.Because practitioners are familiar with law and legal procedure, they may feel confident about the progress of a case. Clients do not have that experience, however, and are apt to feel anxious unless kept informed of the current status of their case and of future expectations. The client should know how the practitioner will communicate with them, what platforms and technology the client and practitioner will use to communicate and boundaries related to the communications, and any potential risks of using those tools or platforms. Clients should be informed immediately of any major developments, particularly if they require decisions about new or revised strategies. Clients generally should be provided copies of major correspondence and pleadings. When a case is inactive for a long time, the practitioner should maintain contact with the client through a simple phone call or letter to ease the client's anxiety and to maintain confidence and trust in the practitioner. The practitioner should respond promptly to reasonable requests from the client for information about the case.
Representation of Clients with Diminished Capacity
Representation of minors or persons who suffer an impairment that impedes their ability to make sound judgments or who are otherwise incapacitated presents special responsibilities to the practitioner. The practitioner should be aware of pertinent ethical and legal obligations in the jurisdiction where the individual practices and should abide by them
The practitioner should seek to maintain a normal attorney-client relationship with all clients, but should be alert to the degree to which a client’s circumstance affects the individual's capability to make legally binding decisions or to make sufficiently well-considered decisions related to the representation. The practitioner may seek the assistance of family members or other specialized support to help communicate with the client. It is important, however, the practitioner should defer to the wishes of the client and not to a family member or other person who is assisting the client
A practitioner who perceives a risk of substantial physical, financial, or other harm to the client and who cannot adequately protect the client's interests may take reasonable steps to protect the client, including consulting with others who can protect the client and, if necessary, seeking the appointment of a guardian ad litem, conservator, or guardian.
Representation of Groups
The practitioner should be cognizant of several factors when representing a group. First, is to clearly establish who is authorized to speak for the group particularly with regard to setting the objectives for the representation. Second, is the importance of clarity regarding how communications are to be maintained with the group, including what technology and platforms will be used to share information. It is often impractical to communicate with every member of a group and communications will generally be with the group's leaders. The practitioner should be certain to clearly understand, however, the reasonable expectations of the group regarding communication and should abide by them. Finally, practitioners should clearly understand that their proper role is to advise any groups that they may represent, and not to lead them, even if the group seeks to place them in positions of control and authority out of deference to their skills and expertise.