Unbundled Legal Services (Limited Scope Retainer)
What are unbundled legal services?
Unbundled or limited scope legal services are a cost-effective alternative to full-service representation (i.e. retaining a lawyer to handle every aspect of a legal matter).
Unbundled services allow clients to receive legal assistance for part, but not all, of a legal matter. The self-represented litigant hires a lawyer as needed for specific tasks, receiving only the professional legal assistance they need.
Do self-represented people use unbundled legal services?
Many self-represented litigants use unbundled legal services. Unlike full-service representation, where a lawyer assumes responsibility for the matter and a client participates as needed, legal help through unbundled services is tailored to those tasks specified in a limited scope retainer.
Though unbundled legal services can provide self-represented litigants with affordable legal assistance, it is essential to consider where unbundled services are most effective. For instance, unbundled services may not be appropriate in urgent situations where the lawyer needs more time to prepare thoroughly.
Give some examples of unbundled services.
Unbundled legal services, or limited scope legal services, vary depending on the lawyer and retainer agreement.
Examples of unbundled legal services include:
- Consultation, at any stage, for advice on specific legal issues
- Drafting agreements, pleadings materials, affidavits, case briefs, settlement conference briefs, and other court documents
- Preparing clients for legal procedures, including examinations, mediation or arbitration, settlement conferences, and trials
- Providing legal advice and opinions
- Attending mediations or negotiations
- Single appearance in court as an agent
- Legal research to support a client’s case, including analysis and review of any case law provided by the other party
- Legal coaching on court procedure, participation, strategy, and negotiation
What are some advantages of a limited scope retainer?
Accessibility & Cost Certainty
The costs of a limited scope retainer are often lower and more definitive in price range than a full-service representation. Where representation for an entire case varies, depending on the complexity, finding a fixed fee or easily quoted price for unbundled services is more common.
Control
Clients work with a limited scope services lawyer as needed, identifying tasks and allocating them to the best person for each task. The client remains in control of the legal matter, receiving court documents and correspondence directly but with the expert help needed to get to a resolution.
Can your lawyer act as your solicitor of record? What can you call a lawyer doing a motion for you that is not retained on full retainer?
If you use unbundled legal services, your lawyer cannot be your solicitor of record. Instead, your lawyer acts on your behalf as an agent.
A divorce lawyer retained as an agent is called an advisor.
How do you find a lawyer on a limited retainer?
Ontario’s Family Law Limited Scope Services Project has a Directory of Lawyers. All lawyers listed are trained in providing unbundled legal services for family law clients.
Ontario’s Family Law Limited Scope Services Project
What is legal coaching?
Legal coaching is an example of an unbundled service that prepares clients for court procedures and participation. A legal coach assists a client in establishing skills, such as strategy and negotiation, needed to manage a legal matter effectively.