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MDRule 1.4

Client Communication Rules for Maryland Law Firms

Maryland attorneys must promptly inform clients of significant matters, keep them reasonably informed, and explain issues to the extent necessary for informed decisions.

Rule 1.4 Key Requirements

  • 1Promptly inform clients of decisions requiring consent
  • 2Consult about means to accomplish client objectives
  • 3Keep clients reasonably informed about case status
  • 4Promptly comply with reasonable information requests
  • 5Explain matters for informed client decisions
View official rule text

Additional Maryland Requirements

Language Access

Maryland's diverse population, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, includes significant Spanish, Chinese, and Korean speaking communities.

Key languages: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese

Statute of Limitations

Attorneys must notify clients of applicable statutes of limitations. Maryland generally has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Maryland-Specific Considerations

  • Baltimore-Washington corridor creates competitive market for client service
  • Proximity to DC drives elevated client expectations
  • Diverse population requires multilingual capabilities
  • Strong personal injury and medical malpractice sectors

How Quilia Helps Maryland Firms Stay Compliant

  • Premium client portal meets elevated expectations
  • Multilingual support serves diverse Maryland population
  • Automated updates ensure consistent Rule 1.4 compliance
  • Treatment tracking coordinates personal injury cases
  • Communication logging supports defense against grievances

Maryland Legal Resources

Maryland State Bar Association

Official WebsiteDiscipline & Ethics

Maryland Association for Justice(MAJ)

Trial lawyers association providing practice resources and advocacy.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions: Maryland Attorney Communication

What are Maryland's attorney communication requirements?

Maryland Rule 1.4 requires keeping clients reasonably informed, responding promptly to inquiries, and explaining matters for informed decision-making.

How does the DC proximity affect Maryland attorney expectations?

Maryland attorneys often compete with DC firms, driving expectations for premium client service and communication.

What are penalties for communication failures in Maryland?

The Attorney Grievance Commission can pursue sanctions from reprimand to disbarment for Rule 1.4 violations.

Does Maryland have language access considerations?

Maryland's diverse population benefits from multilingual legal services, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington area.

How does Quilia help Maryland firms compete?

Quilia provides the premium client experience Maryland clients expect while automating compliance documentation.

Are electronic communications accepted in Maryland?

Yes, electronic communications are fully accepted with appropriate security measures.

What communication issues lead to Maryland complaints?

Common grievances include failure to communicate settlement offers, inadequate updates, and unresponsiveness.

How should Maryland PI attorneys handle communication?

Personal injury attorneys should provide regular updates, coordinate treatment communication, and clearly explain options.

Legal Terms Every Maryland Attorney Should Know

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

NegligenceDamagesStatute of LimitationsLiabilitySettlementContingency FeeDiscoveryDuty of Care
Browse all legal terms →
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Reviewed by: Quilia Legal Compliance Team
Primary Source: Maryland State Bar Association

Keep Your Maryland Clients Informed - Automatically

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

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