Limited Scope Representation

Limited Scope Representation In Oklahoma And Texas

According to Rule 1.2(c) of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, a limited scope representation lawyer “may draft pleadings or other documents for a pro se litigant to file with or present to a district court without the lawyer entering an appearance in the matter.” A pro se litigant is someone who represents himself/herself in a court case.

Limited scope representation is governed by Rule 33 under Oklahoma law. Under this law, the attorney is required to disclose his or her assistance to the court and that he/she will not be appearing on behalf of the client in court. In Texas, no formal court disclosure is typically required, but the attorney must still comply with ethical guidelines ensuring the client fully understands the scope and limitations of the representation.

Limited scope representation allows your attorney to handle some of the aspects of your case while you handle the rest. It can not only include preparing documents but reviewing documents and providing advice concerning them. An example would be preparing a client for a small claims court case where the cost of hiring full-scope representation would outweigh the expected financial recovery from a successful claims judgment. However, as stated above, limited scope representation can involve many different types of court cases. Its benefit is the reduction of legal expenses.

In Texas, limited scope representation operates similarly under Rule 1.02(b) of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, which allows attorneys to limit the scope of their services if the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client provides informed consent. Like in Oklahoma, Texas attorneys can provide assistance such as document preparation or legal advice without formally representing the client in court.