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Okla. R. Prof'l Conduct 1.1

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Rule 1.1 Competence

Client-Lawyer Relationship

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Rule Text

A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.

Amendment history: /EM> Amended by order of the Supreme Court, 2007 OK 22 ; effective January 1, 2008. ( superseded document available ) Amended by order of the Supreme Court, 2016 OK 91 ; effective September 19, 2016. ( superseded document available )

Plain-English Summary (for reference only — not a substitute for the rule text above)

This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.

Your lawyer has to actually know what they're doing when they handle your case. This means they need enough legal knowledge and skill to deal with your specific situation, whether that's a divorce, a criminal charge, a contract dispute, or anything else.

Being competent also means your lawyer needs to prepare properly. They can't wing it or show up without doing the necessary work. They have to research the law, understand the facts of your case, and think through the best way to handle things before taking action.

If a lawyer takes on a case that's outside their area of expertise, they still need to either learn what's necessary to handle it well or bring in help from someone who already knows that area. The bottom line is simple: you're entitled to a lawyer who is capable and ready to represent you well, not someone who is guessing or learning on the job at your expense.

Committee Notes

Legal Knowledge and Skill.

[1] In determining whether a lawyer employs the requisite knowledge and skill in a particular matter, relevant factors include the relative complexity and specialized nature of the matter, the lawyer's general experience, the lawyer's training and experience in the field in question, the preparation and study the lawyer is able to give the matter, and whether it is feasible to refer the matter to, or associate or consult with, a lawyer of established competence in the field in question. In many instances, the required proficiency is that of a general practitioner. Expertise in a particular field of law may be required in some circumstances.

[2] A lawyer need not necessarily have special training or prior experience to handle legal problems of a type with which the lawyer is unfamiliar. A newly admitted lawyer can be as competent as a practitioner with long experience. Some important legal skills, such as the analysis of precedent, the evaluation of evidence and legal drafting, are required in all legal problems. Perhaps the most fundamental legal skill consists of determining what kind of legal problems a situation may involve, a skill that necessarily transcends any particular specialized knowledge. A lawyer can provide adequate representation in a wholly novel field through necessary study. Competent representation can also be provided through the association of a lawyer of established competence in the field in question.

[3] In an emergency a lawyer may give advice or assistance in a matter in which the lawyer does not have the skill ordinarily required where referral to or consultation or association with another lawyer would be impractical. Even in an emergency, however, assistance should be limited to that reasonably necessary in the circumstances, for ill- considered action under emergency conditions can jeopardize the client's interest.

[4] A lawyer may accept representation where the requisite level of competence can be achieved by reasonable preparation. This applies as well to a lawyer who is appointed as counsel for an unrepresented person. See also Rule 6.2.

Thoroughness and Preparation.

[5] Competent handling of a particular matter includes inquiry into and analysis of the factual and legal elements of the problem, and use of methods and procedures meeting the standards of competent practitioners. It also includes adequate preparation. The required attention and preparation are determined in part by what is at stake; major litigation and complex transactions ordinarily require more extensive treatment than matters of lesser complexity and consequence. An agreement between the lawyer and the client regarding the scope of the representation may limit the matters for which the lawyer is responsible. See Rule 1.2(c).

Maintaining Competence.

[6] To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements to which the lawyer is subject, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.

← Previous Rule 1.0: Terminology Next → Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer

Cross-References

Referenced By (4)

Rules Prof. Conduct Rule 1.5 Rules Prof. Conduct Rule 1.17 Rules Prof. Conduct Rule 1.6 Rules Prof. Conduct Rule 1.7