Rule 1.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct requires attorneys to keep clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters, to promptly comply with reasonable requests for information, and to explain developments in a way that allows clients to make informed decisions about their representation. Violations of Rule 1.4 — the communication rule — constitute one of the most common bases for bar complaints in every state. Attorneys who do not return phone calls, fail to inform clients of case developments, neglect to transmit settlement offers, or simply disappear from a matter without explanation are violating a fundamental professional obligation. This topic covers attorney communication failures across the country, with a focus on cases where the failure to communicate caused real harm.