Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

When an attorney agrees to a request for a postponement in a case, is this proper if it does not harm the client?

1. Yes, as long as the client is not prejudiced

2. No, attorneys should never agree to postponements

3. Yes, it is a common practice

4. No, the attorney must always consult the client first

The correct answer is: Yes, as long as the client is not prejudiced

The answer is grounded in the principle of attorney-client relationship and the responsibility attorneys have to represent their clients effectively. When an attorney agrees to a request for a postponement and it does not harm the client, this is proper conduct. A postponement can serve various strategic purposes, such as allowing more time for preparation, negotiation, or waiting for critical evidence. As long as the attorney assesses that the postponement will not negatively impact the client’s case—meaning it does not jeopardize their legal standing, rights, or interests—the attorney can ethically agree to it. This underscores the importance of the attorney's discretion in managing the case while prioritizing the client's well-being. It is common for attorneys to seek or agree to postpone schedules to better represent their clients’ interests, reflecting the collaborative nature of the attorney-client relationship. This approach contrasts with situations where an attorney should not agree to a postponement without consulting the client, as it might risk undermining the client's position in court or lead to adverse outcomes. However, in cases where the postponement is demonstrably beneficial or neutral to the client, then agreeing to it is both acceptable and practical.