RULE 1.1 COMPETENCE

Obsolete Date: 3/1/2016

A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.

COMMENT

Legal Knowledge and Skill

[1] In determining whether a lawyer employs the requisite knowledge and skill in a particular matter, relevant factors include the relative complexity and specialized nature of the matter, the lawyer's general experience, the lawyer's training and experience in the field in question, the preparation and study the lawyer is able to give the matter and whether it is feasible to refer the matter to, or associate or consult with, a lawyer of established competence in the field in question.

[2] A lawyer need not necessarily have special training or prior experience to handle legal problems of a type unfamiliar to the lawyer. A newly admitted lawyer can be as competent as a practitioner with long experience. Some important legal skills, such as the analysis of precedent, the evaluation of evidence and legal drafting, are required in all legal representations. Perhaps the most fundamental legal skill consists of determining what kind of legal problems a situation may involve, a skill that necessarily transcends any particular specialized knowledge. A lawyer can provide adequate representation in a wholly novel field through necessary study. Competent representation can also be provided through the association of a lawyer of established competence in the field in question.

[3] In an emergency, a lawyer may give advice or assistance in a matter in which the lawyer does not have the skill ordinarily required to competently represent the client without violating these Rules. The definition of an emergency depends upon all of the circumstances surrounding the request for advice or assistance and the lawyer's decision to accept representation. Relevant circumstances include, but are not limited to (a) the client's past relationship with the lawyer; (b) the practicality, considering the means of the client to refer to, consult with or associate with another lawyer; (c) the matter upon which advice is requested; (d) the time and location of the contact with the lawyer; (e) whether the lawyer has been asked to render immediate services; and (f) whether the lawyer reasonably determined that legal services were immediately required. Even in an emergency, however, assistance should be limited to that reasonably necessary in the circumstances, for ill considered action under emergency conditions can jeopardize the client's interest.

[4] A lawyer may accept representation where the requisite level of competence can be achieved by reasonable preparation.

[5] To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer must keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements.

Thoroughness and Preparation

[6] Competent handling of a particular matter includes inquiry into and analysis of the factual and legal elements of the problem, and use of methods and procedures meeting the standards of competent practitioners. It also includes adequate preparation. The required attention and preparation are determined in part by what is at stake; major litigation and complex transactions ordinarily require more extensive treatment than matters of lesser consequence. An agreement between the lawyer and the client regarding the scope of the representation may limit the matters for which the lawyer is responsible. See Rule 1.2(c).

Reference: Minutes of the Professional Conduct Subcommittee of the Attorney Standards Committee on 09/29/83, 09/20/85 and 01/31/86; Minutes of the Joint Committee on Attorney Standards on 11/19/04, 06/14/05.