Under what rule is a lawyer allowed to limit the scope of representation?

A lawyer is permitted to limit the scope of representation under Rule 1.2(c) of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule specifically allows a lawyer to limit the representation to a particular proceeding or to a specific aspect of a matter, provided that the limitation is reasonable and the client gives informed consent.

The provision ensures that clients have control over the matters for which they seek legal assistance while also enabling lawyers to manage their workloads and expertise effectively. This capacity to narrowly define the scope of work can help clients who may require legal guidance in only certain areas or who wish to approach their issues incrementally.

In contrast, Rule 1.3 pertains to the duty to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, focusing more on the lawyer's responsibility in handling client matters than on the ability to limit representation. Rule 1.6 deals with the confidentiality of information relating to the representation of a client, emphasizing the lawyer's obligations to protect sensitive client information. Rule 3.2 relates to expediting litigation, which is unrelated to the scope of representation that a lawyer can choose to undertake.

Thus, Rule 1.2(c) is the most relevant to understanding how and when a lawyer can appropriately narrow the parameters of their services