Which rule emphasizes the importance of a lawyer's communication style with clients?

Rule 1.4 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct specifically addresses the communication obligations of lawyers with their clients. This rule emphasizes that a lawyer must communicate effectively with their clients, ensuring they understand the nature of the representation and any potential risks involved.

The rule outlines several specific duties, such as the requirement to promptly inform clients of any decision or circumstance that requires their informed consent. It also mandates that lawyers must explain matters to the extent reasonably necessary to allow clients to make informed decisions regarding their representation. This underscores the importance of clear, honest, and effective communication in building the attorney-client relationship and enabling clients to participate actively in their legal matters.

In contrast, Rule 1.3 focuses on the lawyer's diligence in representing clients, Rule 2.2 relates to the role of a lawyer acting as an intermediary in certain situations, and Rule 1.6 deals with the confidentiality of information relating to the representation of a client. While these rules are all important in the practice of law, Rule 1.4 is the one that directly addresses how lawyers should communicate with their clients, making it the correct choice for this question.