# RPC 1.1: Rule 1.1. Competence > Washington · Court rules · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_1 ## Section - **Citation:** RPC 1.1 - **Heading:** Rule 1.1. Competence - **Jurisdiction:** Washington - **Kind:** Court rules - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** Washington Court Rules / Rules of General Application / Rules of Professional Conduct / RPC 1.1 ## Text RPC 1.1 COMPETENCE A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. [Adopted effective September 1, 1985; Amended effective September 1, 2006.] Comment 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 vel 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). Retaining or Contracting With Other Lawyers [6] Before a lawyer retains or contracts with other lawyers outside the lawyer’s own firm to provide or assist in the provision of legal services to a client, the lawyer should ordinarily obtain informed consent from the client and must reasonably believe that the other lawyers' services will for which the lawyer is responsible. See Rule 1.2(c). Retaining or Contracting With Other Lawyers [6] Before a lawyer retains or contracts with other lawyers outside the lawyer’s own firm to provide or assist in the provision of legal services to a client, the lawyer should ordinarily obtain informed consent from the client and must reasonably believe that the other lawyers' services will contribute to the competent and ethical representation of the client. See also RPC 1.2 (allocation of authority), 1.4 (communication with client), 1.5(e) (fee sharing), 1.6 (confidentiality), and 5.5(a) (unauthorized practice of law). The reasonableness of the decision to retain or contract with other lawyers outside the lawyer’s own firm will depend upon the circumstances, including the education, experience, and reputation of the nonfirm lawyers; the nature of the services assigned to the nonfirm lawyers; and the legal protections, professional conduct rules, and ethical environments of the jurisdictions in which the services will be performed, particularly relating to confidential information. [Comment 6 Adopted September 1, 2016.] [7] [Washington revision] When lawyers or LLLTs from more than one law firm are providing legal services to the client on a particular matter, the lawyers and/or LLLTs ordinarily should consult with each other and the client about the scope of their respective representations and the allocation of responsibility among them. See RPC 1.2. When making allocations of responsibility in a matter pending before a tribunal, lawyers, LLLTs, and parties may have additional obligations that are a matter of law beyond the scope of these Rules. [Comment 7 Adopted September 1, 2016] uld consult with each other and the client about the scope of their respective representations and the allocation of responsibility among them. See RPC 1.2. When making allocations of responsibility in a matter pending before a tribunal, lawyers, LLLTs, and parties may have additional obligations that are a matter of law beyond the scope of these Rules. [Comment 7 Adopted September 1, 2016]. Maintaining Competence [8] To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements to which the lawyer is subject. [Comment 6 Adopted effective September 1, 2006; Renumbered to 8 and Amended effective September 1, 2016.] Additional Washington Comments (9-10) [9] This rule applies to lawyers only when they are providing legal services. Where a lawyer is providing nonlawyer services (”supporting lawyer”) in support of a lawyer who is providing legal services (“supported lawyer”), the supported lawyer should treat the supporting lawyer as a nonlawyer assistant for purposes of this rule and RPC 5.3. (Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants). [Comment 9 adopted September 1, 2016]. [10] In some circumstances, a lawyer can also provide adequate representation by enlisting the assistance of an LLLT of established competence, within the scope of the LLLT’s license and consistent with the provisions of the LLLT RPC. However, a lawyer may not enter into an arrangement for the division of the fee with an LLLT who is not in the same firm as the lawyer. See Comment [7] to Rule 1.5(e); LLLT RPC 1.5(e). Therefore, a lawyer may enlist the assistance of an LLLT who is not in the same firm only (1) after consultation with the client in accordance with Rules 1.2 and 1.4 and (2) by referring the client directly to the LLLT , a lawyer may not enter into an arrangement for the division of the fee with an LLLT who is not in the same firm as the lawyer. See Comment [7] to Rule 1.5(e); LLLT RPC 1.5(e). Therefore, a lawyer may enlist the assistance of an LLLT who is not in the same firm only (1) after consultation with the client in accordance with Rules 1.2 and 1.4 and (2) by referring the client directly to the LLLT. [Comment [7] Adopted effective April 14, 2015; Renumbered to 10 effective September 1, 2016.] ## Nearby sections - [RPC 1.0A Rule 1.0A. Terminology](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_0A.md) - [RPC 1.0B Rule 1.0B. Additional Washington Terminology](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_0B.md) - [RPC 1.1 Rule 1.1. Competence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_1.md) - [RPC 1.2 Rule 1.2. Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_2.md) - [RPC 1.3 Rule 1.3. Diligence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_3.md) - [RPC 1.4 Rule 1.4. Communication](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_4.md) - [RPC 1.5 Rule 1.5. Fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_5.md) - [RPC 1.6 Rule 1.6. Confidentiality of Information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_6.md) - [RPC 1.7 Rule 1.7. Conflict of Interest: Current Clients](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_7.md) - [RPC 1.8 Rule 1.8. Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_8.md) - [RPC 1.9 Rule 1.9. Duties to Former Clients](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_9.md) - [RPC 1.10 Rule 1.10. Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_10.md) - [RPC 1.11 Rule 1.11. Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_11.md) - [RPC 1.12 Rule 1.12. Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-Party Neutral](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_12.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_RPC_R1_1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.