What does Rule 1.3 require of a lawyer regarding diligence?

Rule 1.3 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct requires a lawyer to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. This rule emphasizes the importance of ensuring that a lawyer is committed to their client's interests and is actively working on their case or legal matter. Diligence includes the timely pursuit of a client's objectives and ensuring that the representation is effective and thorough.

This obligation to act promptly also means that lawyers should prioritize their clients' needs and manage their time efficiently in order to comply with deadlines and to keep clients informed about their matters. Diligence and promptness are essential ethical responsibilities that help maintain the integrity of the legal profession and uphold the duty of loyalty and competence owed to clients.

The other options relate to different responsibilities under the Model Rules. Charging reasonable fees pertains to financial ethics (Rule 1.5), keeping confidential communications aligns with the duty of confidentiality (Rule 1.6), and seeking informed consent pertains to disclosures and conflicts of interest (Rule 1.7 and others). However, none of these directly address the aspect of diligence that is central to Rule 1.3.