What obligation does a lawyer have regarding client funds owed?

A lawyer has a firm obligation to promptly pay any funds that are due to the client. This duty is a fundamental part of maintaining the trust and integrity of the attorney-client relationship. When a lawyer receives funds on behalf of a client, such as settlements or other payments, those funds must be delivered to the client without unnecessary delay. This requirement is enshrined in the rules of professional conduct as a means to protect clients’ interests and ensure they receive what they are entitled to.

The reasoning behind this obligation is twofold: firstly, it reflects the fiduciary nature of the attorney-client relationship, where the lawyer is entrusted with the client’s money and must handle it with care and loyalty. Secondly, delaying payment can cause financial harm to the client, undermining the trust that is critical to the lawyer-client bond.

In contrast, the other options misrepresent the lawyer's responsibilities. Delaying payment until all fees are received can unfairly penalize the client and is not permitted. Paying only if there is no dispute can result in clients being unable to access their funds due to ongoing disagreements, which is against the spirit of prompt payment. Finally, offering partial payment upon request might not fulfill the entirety of the client's rightful claim to funds and could lead to