Work with a lawyer for part of your case
A lawyer can handle some parts of your case while you handle others. This is called limited-scope representation. Limited-scope representation can be a great way for you to have legal help with your case while keeping costs down.
Benefits to limited-scope representation
Compared to hiring a lawyer to help you with all of your case (full-representation), limited-scope representation can help you save money. Your lawyer can focus on things you can't effectively do yourself and leave other more time-consuming tasks to you. You can also have greater control over your case.
Compared to being your own lawyer (self-representation), limited-scope representation can save you time and energy. The lawyer can identify potential problems or hidden complications early on, so you can avoid making a costly mistake.
Decide if limited-scope representation is right for you
When deciding if a limited-scope arrangement is right for you, you should:
- Discuss your case with a lawyer in-depth, including areas that you want to handle yourself. Otherwise, you might overlook something that is legally important.
- Decide if you are willing to take on responsibility for those parts of the case you will handle on your own. If you instruct your lawyer not to take certain steps, you will be responsible for the outcome in those parts of the case.
Courts approve of limited-scope representation because they want to encourage people to get as much legal help as they need to protect their rights. They know that you will do a better job of following proper court procedures and presenting the important information if you have the help of a lawyer during the more complicated parts of a case.