Limited Scope Representation

Typically, when a client hires an attorney, the attorney represents the client for all purposes in a case.  In other words, the attorney will handle all communications with the court and other parties; will handle drafting all pleadings, motions and correspondence; and generally do whatever is necessary to advance the client’s case.

But, for cost reasons, some clients can’t, or just don’t want to, hire an attorney for that kind of full representation.  In those situations, “limited scope representation” may be appropriate.  With limited scope representation, instead of hiring the attorney to do-it-all, the client hires the attorney for a specific part of the case, or even just one specific task in connection with it.  For instance, a client might hire an attorney, on a limited scope basis, to do the following:

1.      Draft a pleading or motion, and then provide it to the client to file with the court;

2.      Review a pleading or motion filed by the other party, and give the client feedback on it and coaching about how to respond to it;

3.      Research a specific legal issue or question for the client; or

4.      Appear for the client in a pre-trial hearing.

Hiring an attorney on a limited basis like this means that the client will be responsible for the rest of the case him- or herself. Clients should be very careful about representing themselves, because the judge will hold you to the same standards of procedural knowledge as an attorney. But limited scope representation does present the opportunity for substantial fee-saving.  If you are interested in discussing possible limited scope representation, please contact us.