What is the focus of Rule 1.4 regarding communication?

The focus of Rule 1.4 is primarily on the lawyer's responsibility to maintain communication with clients, ensuring they are informed and can make decisions regarding their representation. This rule emphasizes that lawyers must keep their clients updated about the status of their case and promptly respond to inquiries, allowing clients to participate meaningfully in their legal matters.

By mandating that lawyers provide necessary information, Rule 1.4 aims to foster a transparent attorney-client relationship, which is essential for the trust and confidence that underpins effective legal representation. It encompasses both the obligation to relay significant developments and to explain the legal implications of such developments in a way that clients can understand, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.

While other options relate to aspects of legal practice, they do not capture the essence of Rule 1.4’s emphasis on communication as a vital component of client service and ethical practice.