What is the focus of Rule 1.4 concerning lawyer-client communication?

Rule 1.4 emphasizes the importance of effective communication between a lawyer and their client. This rule mandates that lawyers must keep clients adequately informed about the status of their legal matters, which includes providing necessary information that allows clients to make informed decisions regarding their representation. The essence of this rule lies in the ongoing dialogue between the lawyer and the client, ensuring that the client is aware of developments in their case and understands the implications of those developments.

This proactive approach to communication fosters trust and transparency, which are crucial in the lawyer-client relationship. It empowers clients and mitigates feelings of uncertainty or confusion about their legal matters. Therefore, the focus is on maintaining open lines of communication throughout the representation, rather than limiting communication or waiting until the end of the case to share information.