Transition with Integrity: Ethics in Limited Scope Practice 2026
Co-produced with the Senior Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin
The ethics of easing up
Scaling back doesn’t have to mean stepping away from practice completely. It might involve handling fewer cases, focusing on a smaller range of services, or reorganizing work to better fit your schedule and priorities. However, when the scope of representation is too vague, misunderstandings can quickly accumulate, and so can ethical problems.
Learn how to:
- Explain the parameters of a reduced or limited representation in terms clients can understand
- Draft engagement agreement language that clearly states what the representation includes and excludes
- Obtain informed consent from clients when restricting the scope of your services
- Address issues outside the agreed representation so clients are not left unaware of potential claims or issues
- Clarify the role of opposing counsel when a matter involves limited scope representation and communication restrictions
Co-produced with the Senior Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin
The ethics of easing up
Scaling back doesn’t have to mean stepping away from practice completely. It might involve handling fewer cases, focusing on a smaller range of services, or reorganizing work to better fit your schedule and priorities. However, when the scope of representation is too vague, misunderstandings can quickly accumulate, and so can ethical problems.
Learn how to:
- Explain the parameters of a reduced or limited representation in terms clients can understand
- Draft engagement agreement language that clearly states what the representation includes and excludes
- Obtain informed consent from clients when restricting the scope of your services
- Address issues outside the agreed representation so clients are not left unaware of potential claims or issues
- Clarify the role of opposing counsel when a matter involves limited scope representation and communication restrictions
A smart way to scale back
By choosing practice areas that align with your experience and current abilities, you can reduce workload in a way that supports your duty of competence under SCR 20:1.1. Understand how a narrowed focus and thoughtful use of technology can help you stay organized, consistent, and responsive.
Whether you’re winding down, streamlining, or simply being more selective about the work you take on, Transition with Integrity: Ethics in Limited Scope Practice helps you approach the change with clear boundaries and sound judgment.
Product details
- Reduce disciplinary and malpractice risk by setting clearer boundaries at the start of representation
- Enhance client understanding and trust through documentation and best practices for client consent
- Make better decisions about which matters and practice areas fit your skills, time, and professional goals
- Spot ethical issues regarding communication and competence before they become larger problems
- Protect clients and your practice when making a deliberate shift to a smaller or more focused workload
- Senior lawyers
- Lawyers looking to transition
Senior Lawyers Division members can attend webcasts of this program at no cost!*
*The SLD discount does not apply to the CLE OnDemand version of this program.