3.130(3.2) Expediting litigation

Lawyers are expected to keep cases moving instead of dragging them out. If a lawyer can push a case forward faster without hurting their client's interests, they need to do that.

This rule exists because delays cost everyone time and money, and they clog up the court system. A lawyer can't stall a case just to wear down the other side, run up legal fees, or gain some unfair advantage. At the same time, the rule recognizes that the lawyer's main job is still to represent their client well, so any effort to speed things up can't come at the client's expense.

In practice, this means lawyers should avoid unnecessary delays like requesting endless extensions, filing pointless motions just to slow things down, or dragging out discovery when there's no real reason for it. If you're involved in a lawsuit, this rule is meant to help make sure your case doesn't get stuck in limbo longer than it needs to.