Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

When representing an insurer, can an attorney limit the scope of their representation to specific matters?

1. Yes, if the client has limited objectives for the representation.

2. No, attorneys must represent all matters related to a client.

3. Yes, but only with the approval of the court.

4. No, limiting representation can lead to conflicts of interest.

The correct answer is: Yes, if the client has limited objectives for the representation.

An attorney can indeed limit the scope of their representation to specific matters when representing an insurer, particularly if the client has clearly defined and limited objectives for the representation. This approach is permissible under legal ethics and professional responsibility guidelines, which allow attorneys to have a clear understanding with their clients regarding the extent of their services. By establishing the scope of representation, both the attorney and the client can set realistic expectations and focus their efforts effectively on the specified matters without overextending the attorney's role in the client's affairs. Limiting representation can be practical in scenarios where the insurer may only need assistance with certain claims or legal issues, and it helps to ensure that the attorney can deliver quality services without being spread too thin across unrelated matters. This kind of focused representation can lead to a more efficient and effective attorney-client relationship, improving outcomes for the defined matters. Ultimately, this structured arrangement is often beneficial for both parties involved.