Model Rule 1.2 allows a lawyer to limit the scope of representation with the client's informed consent. True or False?

• A. False.
• B. True.
• C. Only with court approval.
• D. Never; scope cannot be limited.

Answer: (B)

A client can limit the scope of a lawyer’s representation with informed consent. Under Model Rule 1.2, a lawyer must follow the client’s decisions about the objectives of the representation and, within the law, the means to pursue them. This means a lawyer may agree to handle only a particular matter or to restrict services to certain aspects of a case, as long as the client understands and consents to the limits. The consent should reflect that the client understands the consequences of narrowing the representation, and it is typically best documented in writing to avoid later disputes.

Even within a limited scope, the lawyer must provide competent representation and may not assist or facilitate illegal conduct. If the client later wants to expand the representation, the lawyer should obtain updated informed consent before proceeding beyond the agreed limits.