Which duty requires a barrister to inform the client if they cannot comply with court timelines or complete work promptly?

• A. The barrister must inform only if the client asks.
• B. The barrister must inform the court but not the client.
• C. The barrister must inform the client if unable to comply with court timelines or complete work promptly.
• D. The barrister must ignore minor delays to avoid upsetting the client.

Answer: (C)

The important obligation here is for a barrister to keep the client informed when they cannot meet court timelines or complete work promptly. This reflects the duty to communicate openly with the client about developments affecting the matter, so the client can make informed decisions—such as requesting an extension, adjusting strategy, or reassigning tasks. The information is meant for the client, not primarily for the court, and the duty is triggered by the barrister recognizing the potential delay, not waiting for the client to ask. Proactively informing the client is required even for minor delays rather than ignoring them.