TLIE Top Tip: Keep Clients “Reasonably Informed”
TLIE Top TipsLawyers must keep clients “reasonably informed about the status of a matter,” but what does it mean to keep a client “reasonably informed?” It means that we ensure our clients have the information they need to be intelligent participants in the matter.
Our clients’ expectations must be the guide–a particularly savvy client may anticipate more detailed information than a client with less experience in the subject matter. For example, a real estate investor may expect more information than a personal injury client. The context also affects reasonableness–a client should be informed before making a decision whether to accept a settlement but need not be consulted in the middle of trial when strategic decisions must be made on the fly.
Setting expectations at the outset of the representation is key. You must learn what your client needs, and anticipates, to be able to make informed decisions. Communicate early, often, and completely, and let your client tell you when it’s become too much.
