Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2

Definition

The ethical rule governing the scope of representation and allocation of authority between a client and a lawyer. The rule requires a lawyer to (1) abide by his client’s decisions concerning the representation’s objectives; (2) consult with the client as to how those objectives are to be pursued; and (3) abide by the client's decision whether to settle a matter and, in a criminal case, as to the plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial, and whether the client will testify. The rule prohibits a lawyer from advising a client to engage, or to assist the client, in criminal or fraudulent conduct but permits the lawyer to discuss with the client the legal consequences of any proposed conduct.