North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 27 - STATE BAR
Chapter 02 - RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BAR
Section .0300 - ADVOCATE
Section 02 RULE 3.02 - EXPEDITING LITIGATION
Current through Register Vol. 38, No. 18, March 15, 2024
A lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the interests of the client.
Comment
[1] Dilatory practices bring the administration of justice into disrepute. Although there will be occasions when a lawyer may properly seek a postponement for personal reasons, it is not proper for a lawyer to routinely fail to expedite litigation solely for the convenience of the advocates. Nor will a failure to expedite be reasonable if done for the purpose of frustrating an opposing party's attempt to obtain rightful redress or repose. It is not a justification that similar conduct is often tolerated by the bench and bar. The question is whether a competent lawyer acting in good faith would regard the course of action as having some substantial purpose other than delay. Realizing financial or other benefit from otherwise improper delay in litigation is not a legitimate interest of the client.
Authority
G.S.
84-23;
Eff. July 24,
1997;
Amended Eff. February 27,
2003.
