In what situation is an attorney's decision-making authority most likely to be challenged?

An attorney's decision-making authority is most likely to be challenged when the client does not agree with the attorney's tactics. In the attorney-client relationship, it is crucial for the attorney to provide competent representation while also considering the client's preferences and goals. When a client disagrees with the strategic choices or tactics proposed by the attorney—whether those relate to the handling of a case, the course of legal action, or the approach taken to negotiations—the client may feel their authority or interests are being undermined.

This disagreement can lead to conflicts over how to proceed, which may prompt the client to question the attorney's decisions, assert their own ideas for strategy, or even seek a different attorney who aligns more closely with their views. Thus, while attorneys have the responsibility to act in the best interests of their clients and make informed decisions based on their legal expertise, it is the potential for disagreement over those tactics that forms the basis for challenges to their authority.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of authority challenges as effectively. For instance, a highly competent client may actually lead to collaborative decision-making, and when attorneys work independently, they are typically making decisions based on their professional judgment, which may not invite challenges unless there is a specific