What must an attorney ensure when making procedural decisions for a client?

An attorney must ensure that the client is consulted on all tactical decisions. This reflects the fundamental principle of client autonomy and informed consent in the attorney-client relationship. While attorneys provide expertise and guidance, it is essential for them to involve the client in decision-making processes that affect the case's strategy and direction.

Consulting with the client helps maintain a collaborative relationship, allowing the attorney to understand the client's objectives and preferences fully. The attorney must communicate options and potential consequences clearly, enabling the client to make informed choices about how to proceed. This is essential not only for ethical compliance but also for ensuring that the client's values and aspirations are reflected in the legal strategy.

The concept of informed consent also emphasizes that tactical decisions—such as whether to pursue a particular line of questioning in a deposition or which evidence to present—are often influenced by the client's goals, priorities, and overall strategy in the case. Therefore, keeping the client engaged in these discussions is critical to maintaining trust and ensuring that the attorney is acting in the client's best interest.