Overview Of Virginia’s LSR Laws

In Virginia, limited scope representation is governed by the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 1.2(b) allows attorneys to limit the scope of their representation if the limitation is reasonable and the client provides informed consent. This rule enables lawyers to offer unbundled legal services, providing clients with targeted assistance for specific legal tasks.

Statutes And Ethical Guidelines

The Virginia State Bar supports limited scope representation as a means to expand access to justice and provide affordable legal services to clients who may not require full representation. Attorneys practicing limited scope representation in Virginia must adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring that clients fully understand the scope and limitations of the representation.

Requirements For LSR In Virginia

To offer limited scope representation in Virginia, attorneys must comply with the following requirements:

• Informed Consent: Attorneys must obtain the client’s informed consent, explaining the nature and scope of the limited representation. This ensures that clients understand what services the attorney will provide and what services will be excluded.
• Written Agreement: While not mandatory, a written agreement is highly recommended to outline the terms of the representation, including the specific tasks the attorney will handle and the fees associated with each task. A written agreement helps prevent misunderstandings and provides clarity for both the client and the attorney.
• Reasonableness of Limitation: The limitation of the attorney’s representation must be reasonable under the circumstances. Attorneys should assess whether the limited representation is appropriate for the client’s legal needs and ensure that it does not compromise the client’s rights or interests.