An attorney shall make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the interests of the client.

[1] Dilatory practices bring the administration of justice into disrepute. Although there will be occasions when an attorney may properly seek a postponement for personal reasons, it is not proper for an attorney 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 attorney acting in good faith would regard the course of action as having some substantial purpose other than delay. Financial or other benefit from otherwise improper delay in litigation is not a legitimate interest of the client.

Model Rules Comparison: Rule 19-303.2 (3.2) is substantially similar to the language of the Ethics 2000 Amendments to the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.