What behavior is expected of a lawyer regarding cases to avoid unreasonable delay?

Maintaining a controlled workload and promptness is essential for a lawyer to fulfill their ethical obligation to avoid unreasonable delay in representing clients. The Model Rules of Professional Conduct emphasize the importance of diligence and promptness in taking action on behalf of clients. This means that lawyers should manage their caseload in a way that allows them to adequately address each client's needs in a timely manner. By ensuring that their workload is manageable, lawyers can focus on providing quality representation without unnecessary delays.

This expectation is grounded in the principle that clients have a right to timely legal services, and delays can lead to significant negative consequences for clients, including missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and added stress. Keeping a controlled workload also ensures that lawyers can effectively communicate with clients, meet court deadlines, and prepare adequately for hearings or trials.

Prioritizing personal matters over client needs, being overworked with excessive clients, and relying on assistants for all client communication do not align with the standards set forth in the Model Rules. These behaviors can lead to neglect of client responsibilities and increased chances of delays, which is contrary to a lawyer's duty to their clients.