What aspect of client communication is crucial for legal representation?

Informing clients about substantive decisions affecting them is a crucial aspect of client communication in legal representation. This requirement stems from the attorney's obligation to keep clients adequately informed about their case's progress and any significant developments that may impact their legal status or the outcomes they desire.

Effective communication involves more than just general discussions; it requires attorneys to relay meaningful information that can affect a client's decisions and strategies. Clients must understand how decisions—such as settlement offers, trial strategies, or changes in legal positions—will influence their case. This engagement helps clients make informed choices and actively participate in their legal matters, which serves not only their best interests but also fosters a trusting attorney-client relationship.

In contrast to this correct answer, other options may not adequately fulfill the core responsibility of ensuring clients are well-informed about critical aspects of their legal representation. While keeping personal opinions to oneself and providing regular updates are important, they do not encompass the necessity of communicating substantive developments that directly affect the client's case strategy or outcome. Similarly, offering general information without specificity fails to provide the detailed knowledge clients require to navigate their legal situations effectively.