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AZER 1.4

Client Communication Rules for Arizona Law Firms

Arizona ER 1.4 requires attorneys to promptly inform clients of matters requiring informed consent, keep clients reasonably informed, and explain matters for informed decision-making.

ER 1.4 Key Requirements

  • 1Promptly inform clients of matters requiring informed consent
  • 2Reasonably consult about means to accomplish objectives
  • 3Keep clients reasonably informed about status
  • 4Promptly comply with reasonable requests for information
  • 5Explain matters to extent necessary for informed decisions

Additional Arizona Requirements

Language Access

Arizona has a significant Spanish-speaking population, particularly in Phoenix, Tucson, and border communities. Courts provide interpreter services.

Key languages: Spanish, Navajo, and Chinese

Statute of Limitations

Arizona attorneys must clearly communicate applicable statutes of limitation to clients and document this advice.

Arizona-Specific Considerations

  • Arizona Association for Justice provides practice guidance
  • Large Hispanic population makes Spanish essential
  • Significant Native American population may have jurisdictional considerations
  • Phoenix metro growth creates high personal injury caseloads
  • Arizona allows non-lawyer ownership of law firms (Alternative Business Structures)
  • Hot climate creates unique premises liability considerations

How Quilia Helps Arizona Firms Stay Compliant

  • Automated updates maintain ER 1.4 "reasonably informed" standard
  • Spanish language support serves Arizona's Hispanic population
  • Treatment tracking manages personal injury case requirements
  • HIPAA-compliant platform protects sensitive information
  • Communication logging supports State Bar compliance
  • Client portal provides 24/7 access reducing staff inquiries

Arizona Legal Resources

Arizona Association for Justice(AzAJ)

Trial lawyers association providing practice resources and advocacy.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Arizona Attorney Communication

What does Arizona ER 1.4 require for client communication?

Arizona ER 1.4 requires attorneys to promptly inform clients of matters requiring consent, consult about strategy, keep clients reasonably informed, and explain matters for informed decision-making.

How does the State Bar of Arizona handle communication complaints?

The State Bar investigates communication failures as a top priority. Failure to communicate is among the most common complaint categories, with sanctions ranging from informal reprimand to disbarment.

What languages should Phoenix law firms support?

Spanish is essential in Arizona given the large Hispanic population. The Phoenix metro area particularly benefits from bilingual communication capabilities.

How does Arizona's ABS model affect law firm technology?

Arizona's Alternative Business Structure rules allow innovation in legal service delivery. Technology client engagement platforms help firms of all structures maintain ethical communication standards.

Can Arizona attorneys use automated client communication?

Yes, Arizona permits technology-assisted communication. Client engagement platforms help maintain ER 1.4 compliance while managing growing caseloads efficiently.

How often should Arizona attorneys update clients?

Best practices recommend meaningful monthly updates for active cases, with immediate communication for settlement offers, court dates, and significant case developments.

What are unique personal injury considerations in Arizona?

Arizona's hot climate creates unique premises liability issues (burns from surfaces, heat-related injuries). Attorneys must clearly communicate these factors to clients.

How can Arizona firms scale while maintaining communication standards?

Client engagement platforms automate routine communications while maintaining personalization, helping firms grow without sacrificing ER 1.4 compliance.

Legal Terms Every Arizona Attorney Should Know

Clear communication requires understanding these fundamental concepts. Click any term to learn more.

Last updated: January 24, 2026
Reviewed by: Quilia Legal Compliance Team
Primary Source: State Bar of Arizona

Keep Your Arizona Clients Informed - Automatically

Quilia helps Arizona law firms maintain ER 1.4 compliance while reducing administrative burden and improving client satisfaction.