What is one of the key duties a lawyer owes to their client?

The key duty a lawyer owes to their client is diligence. Diligence refers to a lawyer's obligation to act with reasonable promptness and thoroughness in representing a client’s interests. This duty encompasses taking necessary steps to advance the case, meet deadlines, and actively pursue a resolution. It is crucial for ensuring that the client’s legal needs are met effectively and efficiently.

A lawyer who fails to act diligently may jeopardize their client's case, resulting in missed opportunities, denied claims, or ineffective representation. Diligence reflects the fundamental principle of being committed to the client's best interests, making it a core ethical obligation under the Rules of Professional Conduct.

While financial responsibility, negotiation skills, and parenting advice may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not encapsulate the core duties that define the attorney-client relationship in the same way diligence does. Financial responsibility might refer to the lawyer's obligation to handle client funds appropriately, but it does not satisfy the broader ethical requirement of diligence. Similarly, negotiation skills are important, but they serve more as tools to fulfill the duty of diligence rather than being a key duty in themselves. Parenting advice is generally outside the scope of a lawyer’s professional responsibilities, further distinguishing it from the essential duty of diligence owed to clients.