# SCR 20:1.3: SCR 20:1.3. Diligence > Wisconsin · Court rules · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_3 ## Section - **Citation:** SCR 20:1.3 - **Heading:** SCR 20:1.3. Diligence - **Jurisdiction:** Wisconsin - **Kind:** Court rules - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules / SCR Chapter 20A - Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys (Preamble through 20:1.18) / SCR 20:1.3 ## Text Diligence A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. ABA COMMENT [1] A lawyer should pursue a matter on behalf of a client despite opposition, obstruction or personal inconvenience to the lawyer, and take whatever lawful and ethical measures are required to vindicate a client's cause or endeavor. A lawyer must also act with commitment and dedication to the interests of the client and with zeal in advocacy upon the client's behalf. A lawyer is not bound, however, to press for every advantage that might be realized for a client. For example, a lawyer may have authority to exercise professional discretion in determining the means by which a matter should be pursued. See Rule 1.2. The lawyer's duty to act with reasonable diligence does not require the use of offensive tactics or preclude the treating of all persons involved in the legal process with courtesy and respect. [2] A lawyer's work load must be controlled so that each matter can be handled competently. [3] Perhaps no professional shortcoming is more widely resented than procrastination. A client's interests often can be adversely affected by the passage of time or the change of conditions; in extreme instances, as when a lawyer overlooks a statute of limitations, the client's legal position may be destroyed. Even when the client's interests are not affected in substance, however, unreasonable delay can cause a client needless anxiety and undermine confidence in the lawyer's trustworthiness. A lawyer's duty to act with reasonable promptness, however, does not preclude the lawyer from agreeing to a reasonable request for a postponement that will not prejudice the lawyer's client. [4] Unless the relationship is terminated as provided in Rule 1.16, a lawyer should carry through to conclusion all matters undertaken for a client. If a lawyer's employment is limited to a specific matter, the relationship terminates when the matter has been resolved t preclude the lawyer from agreeing to a reasonable request for a postponement that will not prejudice the lawyer's client. [4] Unless the relationship is terminated as provided in Rule 1.16, a lawyer should carry through to conclusion all matters undertaken for a client. If a lawyer's employment is limited to a specific matter, the relationship terminates when the matter has been resolved. If a lawyer has served a client over a substantial period in a variety of matters, the client sometimes may assume that the lawyer will continue to serve on a continuing basis unless the lawyer gives notice of withdrawal. Doubt about whether a client-lawyer relationship still exists should be clarified by the lawyer, preferably in writing, so that the client will not mistakenly suppose the lawyer is looking after the client's affairs when the lawyer has ceased to do so. For example, if a lawyer has handled a judicial or administrative proceeding that produced a result adverse to the client and the lawyer and the client have not agreed that the lawyer will handle the matter on appeal, the lawyer must consult with the client about the possibility of appeal before relinquishing responsibility for the matter. See Rule 1.4(a)(2). Whether the lawyer is obligated to prosecute the appeal for the client depends on the scope of the representation the lawyer has agreed to provide to the client. See Rule 1.2. [5] To prevent neglect of client matters in the event of a sole practitioner's death or disability, the duty of diligence may require that each sole practitioner prepare a plan, in conformity with applicable rules, that designates another competent lawyer to review client files, notify each client of the lawyer's death or disability, and determine whether there is a need for immediate protective action. Cf. Model Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement R actitioner's death or disability, the duty of diligence may require that each sole practitioner prepare a plan, in conformity with applicable rules, that designates another competent lawyer to review client files, notify each client of the lawyer's death or disability, and determine whether there is a need for immediate protective action. Cf. Model Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement R. 28 (2002) (providing for court appointment of a lawyer to inventory files and take other protective action in absence of a plan providing for another lawyer to protect the interests of the clients of a deceased or disabled lawyer). ## Nearby sections - [SCR 20:1.0 SCR 20:1.0. Terminology](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_0.md) - [SCR 20:1.1 SCR 20:1.1. Competence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_1.md) - [SCR 20:1.2 SCR 20:1.2. Scope of representation and allocation of](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_2.md) - [SCR 20:1.3 SCR 20:1.3. Diligence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_3.md) - [SCR 20:1.4 SCR 20:1.4. Communication](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_4.md) - [SCR 20:1.5 SCR 20:1.5. Fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_5.md) - [SCR 20:1.6 SCR 20:1.6. Confidentiality](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_6.md) - [SCR 20:1.7 SCR 20:1.7. Conflicts of interest: current clients](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_7.md) - [SCR 20:1.8 SCR 20:1.8. Conflict of interest: prohibited transactions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_8.md) - [SCR 20:1.9 SCR 20:1.9. Duties to former clients](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_9.md) - [SCR 20:1.10 SCR 20:1.10. Imputed disqualification: general rule](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_10.md) - [SCR 20:1.11 SCR 20:1.11. Special conflicts of interest for former and](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_11.md) - [SCR 20:1.12 SCR 20:1.12. Former judge, arbitrator, mediator or other 3rd-](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_12.md) - [SCR 20:1.13 SCR 20:1.13. Organization as client](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_13.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.