What does the ABA state about the duty of diligence?

The American Bar Association (ABA) emphasizes that a lawyer's duty of diligence entails acting promptly and with reason while representing clients. This principle is rooted in the importance of ensuring that clients receive timely attention to their legal matters and that their interests are vigorously pursued. The requirement for diligence helps maintain the integrity of the legal profession and fosters trust between clients and attorneys.

Promptness ensures that legal proceedings are not unduly delayed, which can have significant consequences for a client's case. Acting with reason implies that a lawyer must not only be proactive but also thoughtful in their approach, balancing the need for timely action with careful consideration of the client's best interests and the complexities of the legal issues involved.

This duty stands in stark contrast to the other options, which do not reflect the ethical obligations required of attorneys. For example, prioritizing personal interests could compromise the representation of clients and undermine the attorney-client relationship. Keeping information secret from clients contradicts the fundamental duty to communicate and maintain transparency about their legal matters. Lastly, having no obligation to communicate with clients would severely impair the attorney-client relationship, as effective communication is crucial for proper representation. Hence, option A aligns with the established ethical standards governing the conduct of lawyers.