Call to set up a consultation (415) 389-9590 / (650) 503-4LAW(4529).
Examples of Limited Scope Representation in Action
“Limited scope representation” is a relationship between an attorney and a person seeking legal services in which they have agreed that the scope of the legal services will be limited to specific tasks that the attorney will perform for the person. For many, limited scope representation can make the difference between having access to the legal system and being excluded. Almost any arrangement you can imagine can be utilized in the limited scope setting. The most common lawyer tasks in a limited scope relationship are analysis, advice and strategy; document assistance; procedural assistance; and attending hearings. It is very important that the terms of the representation are reasonable, and that each party knows what the attorney will (and will not) be doing. See the list below for some examples of areas of law in which limited scope representation can be helpful. Remember, these are just examples. How your attorney participates in any legal matter is up to you. Use your initial consultation to set up a written plan.
California State Building – Supreme Court
Landlord/Tenant
If you are a tenant, perhaps you are facing eviction, but can not afford an attorney to fully take on your case. You could have your attorney help you file the right papers, and prepare you to go to court yourself. Or, you could do the paperwork and just have your attorney go to the hearing. If you are a landlord, you could have your attorney prepare the papers for eviction, and you could go to court yourself. Or, you can do all the paperwork, and have your attorney just appear one day in court. Back to questions
Insurance Claims
You can have your attorney review your insurance policy and help you prepare your written claim. If you need more help later, such as in negotiating, or even filing a lawsuit, you can modify your arrangement to add those additional services you need. Back to questions
Real Estate Transactions
Whether you are a buyer or seller, and whether you use an agent or not, you may wish to have your attorney advise you on how to structure a deal. For basic transactions, a simple contract review may be affordable. You may also wish to have “behind the scenes” advice on negotiations, and on specific contract terms. Back to questions
Probate/Conservatorship
Perhaps you have a relative or friend of modest means who is incapacitated and needs someone to make decisions for them regarding their personal care or property. Or, you are a potential executor or administrator of a small estate. Your attorney can explain the law and procedures, and advise you on which forms to file. If an estate is small enough, that may be all you need. If you wish, the attorney can appear at court hearings, even if you have completed the paperwork yourself. Back to questions
As with real estate, whether you are a buyer or seller, and whether you use an agent or not, you may wish to have your attorney advise you on how to structure a deal. You may also wish to have “behind the scenes” advice on negotiations, and on specific contract terms. You may wish to have your attorney draft, or review and revise the contract documents, without being involved in the direct negotiations. Back to questions
Lawsuits
Before a lawsuit is filed, your attorney can analyze the case, advise you on the options and chances of success, and possibly end the dispute by writing a demand letter on your behalf, to be signed either by the attorney or yourself. Once a case has been filed, the attorney can write the pleadings and other papers (“ghost writing”), while you actually appear for hearings. More rarely, you can do the paperwork, and the lawyer appears in court. Your lawyer can also handle some parts of the case, such as specific motions or formal investigation (known as “discovery”). As things develop, you can add or change tasks, so long as this is agreed to and done in writing. Back to questions
Divorce
You may only need advice regarding the law and your rights at the beginning, expecting to handle things yourself. Or, you can have your lawyer handle just part of the case, such as child custody, but not property division. Also, see examples of choices under “lawsuits”, above. Back to questions
Call to set up a consultation (415) 389-9590 / (650) 503-4LAW(4529).