What are Unbundled Legal Services?

Unbundled legal services, also called “limited-scope representation” or a “limited scope retainer,” refer to arrangements where you retain a lawyer to assist with part of your legal matter instead of the entire matter. This can be a more affordable and practical solution because you pay only for the representation you need and complete the rest on your own.

For example:

• A lawyer might help you draft a court document, but you file those court documents and continue the matter yourself.
• A lawyer may represent you in court generally or at a specific appearance, such as a Family Management Conference or a Settlement Conference, but you prepare and file all court documents yourself.
• A lawyer may assist with settlement discussions only, but not any court appearances.
• A lawyer may provide legal advice on any step of your matter, including how to prepare for court, mediation, or settlement discussions, or whether certain strategies are advisable, but will not represent you in court, mediation, or settlement discussions.
• A lawyer may assist with a blend of the above approaches.

What are the advantages of unbundled legal services?

Improving Access to Justice

One of the key motivations within the legal profession in British Columbia is to improve access to justice given how expensive the process can be. Many individuals are self-represented simply because they cannot afford full representation. Unbundled legal services are one way to provide access to justice and support individuals in a legal dispute who would otherwise be completely self-represented.

Flexibility and Control

With an unbundled arrangement, you remain more involved in your case because you take on some tasks. This can provide you with more control and also help you keep costs down since you do some of the work.

Structured Expectations

Because the lawyer and client decide up front which tasks will be done by the lawyer and which will be done by the client, there is a clearer scope of work, clearer fee expectations, and potentially fewer surprises.

How to Arrange Unbundled Legal Services with your Lawyer

When you meet with a lawyer to discuss an unbundled arrangement, you will typically:

• Discuss your matter and determine with the lawyer which tasks the lawyer will handle and which you will handle yourself.
• Agree on how the fee is calculated and paid.
• Sign a retainer (often called a “limited-scope retainer” or a “limited retainer”) that clearly defines the scope of work.

Contact Velletta Pedersen Christie today if you would like to discuss the possibility of unbundled legal services with a lawyer in our family law or civil litigation team.