California Rules of Court 2024

Rule 3.35. Definition of limited scope representation; application of rules

(a) Definition

"Limited scope representation" is a relationship between an attorney and a person seeking legal services in which they have agreed that the scope of the legal services will be limited to specific tasks that the attorney will perform for the person.

(b) Application

Rules 3.35 through 3.37 apply to limited scope representation in civil cases, except in family law cases. Rule 5.425 applies to limited scope representation in family law cases.

(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2016.)

(c) Types of limited scope representation

These rules recognize two types of limited scope representation:

(1) Noticed representation

Rule 3.36 provides procedures for cases in which an attorney and a party notify the court and other parties of the limited scope representation.

(2) Undisclosed representation

Rule 3.37 applies to cases in which the limited scope representation is not disclosed.

Rule 3.35 amended effective January 1, 2016; adopted effective January 1, 2007.