|
What are Unbundled Legal Services?
Traditionally, law firms handled everything from the most basic clerical tasks such as making and distributing copies of documents to the more complex duties of drafting motions and pleadings and representing the client in court. Unbundled legal services are portions of legal representation that may be purchased separately or partially performed by the client. While the concept is not entirely new, many of the barriers to its application have been removed by the Missouri Supreme Court's recent rule changes that define the boundaries of Limited Scope Representation ("LSR"). Because lawyers and clients can limit the scope of the attorney's representation, clients can decide how much or how little they want to participate in the process.
|
|
What Kinds of Legal Services
May be "Unbundled"?
In most civil cases, all aspects of the case can be handled in discrete or individual segments. This includes such tasks as performing legal research, gathering of facts, drafting and responding to discovery, negotiation, drafting of court documents, trial preparation and court representation - all of which may be allocated between the lawyer and the client, based on the client's education, comfort level, and ability to pay.
The lawyer is still responsible for advising the client and for letting the client know if the case is becoming too complex for a non-lawyer to handle. But this gives clients more control over their own case than ever before. More importantly, it makes the courts available to many people who would never have their day in court if making that happen depended on their ability to finance every aspect of the case.
Isn't That Dangerous?
It certainly can be. As a recent article that discusses the growing trend of people representing themselves in court observed:
Financially pressed people . . . are representing themselves more and more in court . . . Judges complain that people miss deadlines, fail to bring the right documents or evidence and are simply unprepared for legal proceedings. Such mistakes make it more likely they will fare poorly — no matter the merit of their cases.
That's why all service packages from Missouri Legal Solutions™ include an in-depth initial consultation with a licensed attorney and offer the availability of an attorney to help you each step of the way. If short-term limited representation is not reasonable in your situation, we will tell you. If you need to get more or different legal counsel we will tell you that too, and we will help point you in the right direction.
|
Missouri Legal Solutions™
P.O. Box 1276
St. Charles, Missouri 63302-1276
Telephone • 314-219-4110
To Send us an Email - Click Here
|
 |
| Let's Get Started! |
|
|
|