March 16, 2011 – The current economy has increased client interest in hiring lawyers for only part of their case. Limited scope representation (LSR) is one way to close the justice gap as more people are unable or unwilling to pay for legal services in these difficult economic times.
In 2010, the Wisconsin Supreme Court Planning and Policy Advisory Committee (PPAC) established a limited scope representation subcommittee to identify any additional statewide efforts that should be implemented to support and expand limited scope representation in Wisconsin.
The subcommittee is currently soliciting input on its work. Attorneys are invited to submit thoughtful comments and suggestions for additional rule or statutory language to further support and define LSR, beyond the language that already exists in the Rules of Professional Responsibility.
SCR 20:1.2(c) reads: “A lawyer may limit the scope of the representation if the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent.”
Send comments or questions to Attorney Ann Zimmerman. The subcommittee expects to submit its recommendations to PPAC.
Bayfield County Circuit Court Judge John P. Anderson and Ozaukee County Court Commissioner Darcy E. McManus cochair the subcommittee. The group also includes Attorney Jeff Brown, State Bar pro bono coordinator; Judge Juan B. Colas, Dane County Circuit Court; Ms. Michelle Cyrulik, policy analyst; Judge Michael J. Dwyer, Milwaukee County Circuit Court; Attorney Rosemary R. Elbert, executive director, Wisconsin Judicare; Clerk of Circuit Court Diane Fremgen, Winnebago County; Mr. Gregg Moore, board president of the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission; Librarian Lisa Winkler, Dane County Legal Resource Center; Attorney Mary K. Wolverton, Milwaukee; and Attorney Ann M. Zimmerman, statewide pro se coordinator.
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