What decision is squarely made by the client in a legal matter?

In legal matters, the client has the ultimate authority over critical decisions that affect the direction and outcomes of their case. One of the primary decisions that falls squarely within the client's purview is the scope of representation and whether to accept a settlement.

The scope of representation involves defining what tasks the attorney will handle on the client's behalf, which can include decisions about the overall aims of the case, the specific issues to pursue, and the limits of the attorney’s role. Settlement decisions are particularly crucial, as they directly relate to the client’s interests; the client must evaluate any settlement offer based on their goals, risk tolerance, and personal circumstances.

While an attorney may advise and strategize around these aspects, the final say rests with the client, reflecting the fundamental principle of client autonomy in the attorney-client relationship. This distinguishes it from other aspects, such as the method of procuring evidence or specific legal arguments, which are typically managed by the attorney as part of their expertise in executing the case strategy.