Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) permits attorneys to assist a self-represented litigant on a limited basis without undertaking a full representation of the client for all events or issues related to the legal matter for which the attorney is engaged.
Best practices require the attorney to specifically discuss with the client the issues for which the attorney will be responsible and those that will be handled by the client. For example, is the attorney simply preparing documents for the client? Or will the attorney also attend a court hearing with the client? The attorney and client can enter into additional agreements as needed. Obtaining the client’s informed consent is key.
LAR provides the public with greater access to attorneys by limiting the duration of the representation, but not the commitment to the service for which the attorney is engaged.