Which obligation does Rule 2.1 impose on lawyers when advising clients?

Rule 2.1 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct emphasizes the importance of a lawyer providing independent professional judgment and candid advice to clients. This obligation ensures that lawyers do not simply echo client views or preferences but instead approach the client’s issues with professional integrity and objectivity.

By exercising independent professional judgment, lawyers are required to analyze the situation thoroughly, consider all relevant legal aspects, and provide advice that may sometimes involve tough truths or perspectives that the client may not want to hear. Candid advice means that the lawyer should communicate clearly and openly with the client, discussing both the strengths and weaknesses of the case, as well as the risks involved, so that the client can make informed decisions.

This rule helps maintain the trust in the lawyer-client relationship, as clients rely on their attorneys for honest guidance to navigate legal matters effectively. The goal is to ensure that the client receives the best possible legal representation based on sound legal principles and the lawyer's expertise, rather than mere agreement or sentiment.