User:Washingtonlawyer/Sandbox/Selfhelplawyer

A "selfhelplawyer" is a growing popular term for an attorney providing a client full ethical representation for ‘part’ of a case, based on the client's and the attorney's mutual consent. Although, the American Bar Association (ABA) provides model rules for attorneys’ professional conduct when representing ‘part’ of a case, state rules apply. ABA rule 1.2 considers scope of representation and consent of authority between the client and the attorney, and rule 6.5 considers relaxing rules on conflicts for non-profit and court programs.

This service is also known as 'discrete task representation’, 'limited scope representation’, 'unbundled legal service’ (ULS), and more colloquially ‘pay-as-you-go’ service. The Agreement is often called a ‘limited scope representation agreement’ or LSR agreement.

A "selfhelplawyer" might begin by learning about common LSR services, state rules, and how to manage services within current practice areas. Family and consumer law are very conducive to this type of service. While the client can self-file, file pro se / pro per, a lawyer might represent on certain issues, coach, help prepare evidence, or help with more complicated tasks.

The goal is a more successful outcome when using the education and experience of a "selfhelplawyer." This can be more effectively achieved with a clear definition of scope, good rules, proper communication, and teamwork.