# SCR 20:1.2: SCR 20:1.2. Scope of representation and allocation of > Wisconsin · Court rules · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_2 ## Section - **Citation:** SCR 20:1.2 - **Heading:** SCR 20:1.2. Scope of representation and allocation of - **Jurisdiction:** Wisconsin - **Kind:** Court rules - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules / SCR Chapter 20A - Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys (Preamble through 20:1.18) / SCR 20:1.2 ## Text Scope of representation and allocation of authority between lawyer and client (a) Subject to pars. (c) and (d), a lawyer shall abide by a client's decisions concerning the objectives of representation and, as required by SCR 20:1.4, shall consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued. A lawyer may take such action on behalf of the client as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation. A lawyer shall abide by a client's decision whether to settle a matter. In a criminal case or any proceeding that could result in deprivation of liberty, the lawyer shall abide by the client's decision, after consultation with the lawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial and whether the client will testify. (b) A lawyer's representation of a client, including representation by appointment, does not constitute an endorsement of the client's political, economic, social or moral views or activities. (c) A lawyer may limit the scope of the representation if the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent. The client’s informed consent must be in writing except as set forth in sub. (1). (1) The client’s informed consent need not be given in writing if: a. the representation of the client consists solely of telephone consultation; b. the representation is provided by a lawyer employed by or participating in a program sponsored by a nonprofit organization, a bar association, an accredited law school, or a court and the lawyer’s representation consists solely of providing information and advice or the preparation of court-approved legal forms; c. the court appoints the lawyer for a limited purpose that is set forth in the appointment order; d. the representation is provided by the state public defender pursuant to Ch. 977, stats., including representation provided by a private attorney pursuant to an appointment by the state public defender; or e formation and advice or the preparation of court-approved legal forms; c. the court appoints the lawyer for a limited purpose that is set forth in the appointment order; d. the representation is provided by the state public defender pursuant to Ch. 977, stats., including representation provided by a private attorney pursuant to an appointment by the state public defender; or e. the representation is provided to an existing client pursuant to an existing lawyer-client relationship. (2) If the client gives informed consent in writing signed by the client, there shall be a presumption that: a. the representation is limited to the lawyer and the services described in the writing, and b. the lawyer does not represent the client generally or in matters other than those identified in the writing. Wisconsin Committee Comment With respect to subparagraph (c), a lawyer providing limited scope representation in an action before a court should consult s. 802.045, stats., regarding notice and withdrawal requirements. The requirements of subparagraph (c) that require the client’s informed consent, in writing, to the limited scope representation do not supplant or replace the requirements of SCR 20:1.5(b). (cm) A lawyer may prepare pleadings, briefs, and other documents to be filed with the court so long as such filings clearly indicate thereon that “This document was prepared with the assistance of a lawyer.” A lawyer shall advise the client to whom the lawyer provides assistance in preparing pleadings, briefs, or other documents for filing with the court that the pleading, brief, or other document must contain a statement that it was prepared with the assistance of a lawyer. Wisconsin Committee Comment early indicate thereon that “This document was prepared with the assistance of a lawyer.” A lawyer shall advise the client to whom the lawyer provides assistance in preparing pleadings, briefs, or other documents for filing with the court that the pleading, brief, or other document must contain a statement that it was prepared with the assistance of a lawyer. Wisconsin Committee Comment A lawyer may prepare pleadings, briefs, and other documents to be filed with the court so long as such filings clearly indicate thereon that said filings are “prepared with the assistance of a lawyer.” Such actions by the lawyer shall not be deemed an appearance by the lawyer in the case. (d) A lawyer shall not counsel a client to engage, or assist a client, in conduct that the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent, but a lawyer may discuss the legal consequences of any proposed course of conduct with a client and may counsel or assist a client to make a good faith effort to determine the validity, scope, meaning or application of the law. (e) When a lawyer has been retained by an insurer to represent an insured pursuant to the terms of an agreement or policy requiring the insurer to retain counsel on the client's behalf, the representation may be limited to matters related to the defense of claims made against the insured. In such cases, the lawyer shall, within a reasonable time after being retained, inform the client in writing of the terms and scope of the representation the lawyer has been retained by the insurer to provide. WISCONSIN COMMENT The Model Rule does not include paragraph (e). Paragraph (e) was added to clarify the obligations of counsel for an insurer, in conjunction with the decision to retain Wisconsin's "insurance defense" exception in SCR 20:1.8(f) ng retained, inform the client in writing of the terms and scope of the representation the lawyer has been retained by the insurer to provide. WISCONSIN COMMENT The Model Rule does not include paragraph (e). Paragraph (e) was added to clarify the obligations of counsel for an insurer, in conjunction with the decision to retain Wisconsin's "insurance defense" exception in SCR 20:1.8(f). WISCONSIN COMMITTEE COMMENT The Committee has retained in paragraph (a) the application of the duties stated to "any proceeding that could result in deprivation of liberty." The Model Rule does not include this language. ABA COMMENT Allocation of Authority between Client and Lawyer [1] Paragraph (a) confers upon the client the ultimate authority to determine the purposes to be served by legal representation, within the limits imposed by law and the lawyer's professional obligations. The decisions specified in paragraph (a), such as whether to settle a civil matter, must also be made by the client. See Rule 1.4(a)(1) for the lawyer's duty to communicate with the client about such decisions. With respect to the means by which the client's objectives are to be pursued, the lawyer shall consult with the client as required by Rule 1.4(a)(2) and may take such action as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation. [2] On occasion, however, a lawyer and a client may disagree about the means to be used to accomplish the client's objectives. Clients normally defer to the special knowledge and skill of their lawyer with respect to the means to be used to accomplish their objectives, particularly with respect to technical, legal and tactical matters. Conversely, lawyers usually defer to the client regarding such questions as the expense to be incurred and concern for third persons who might be adversely affected lient's objectives. Clients normally defer to the special knowledge and skill of their lawyer with respect to the means to be used to accomplish their objectives, particularly with respect to technical, legal and tactical matters. Conversely, lawyers usually defer to the client regarding such questions as the expense to be incurred and concern for third persons who might be adversely affected. Because of the varied nature of the matters about which a lawyer and client might disagree and because the actions in question may implicate the interests of a tribunal or other persons, this Rule does not prescribe how such disagreements are to be resolved. Other law, however, may be applicable and should be consulted by the lawyer. The lawyer should also consult with the client and seek a mutually acceptable resolution of the disagreement. If such efforts are unavailing and the lawyer has a fundamental disagreement with the client, the lawyer may withdraw from the representation. See Rule 1.16(b)(4). Conversely, the client may resolve the disagreement by discharging the lawyer. See Rule 1.16(a)(3). [3] At the outset of a representation, the client may authorize the lawyer to take specific action on the client's behalf without further consultation. Absent a material change in circumstances and subject to Rule 1.4, a lawyer may rely on such an advance authorization. The client may, however, revoke such authority at any time. [4] In a case in which the client appears to be suffering diminished capacity, the lawyer's duty to abide by the client's decisions is to be guided by reference to Rule 1.14. Independence from Client's Views or Activities [5] Legal representation should not be denied to people who are unable to afford legal services, or whose cause is controversial or the subject of popular disapproval. By the same token, representing a client does not constitute approval of the client's views or activities. Agreements Limiting Scope of Representation reference to Rule 1.14. Independence from Client's Views or Activities [5] Legal representation should not be denied to people who are unable to afford legal services, or whose cause is controversial or the subject of popular disapproval. By the same token, representing a client does not constitute approval of the client's views or activities. Agreements Limiting Scope of Representation [6] The scope of services to be provided by a lawyer may be limited by agreement with the client or by the terms under which the lawyer's services are made available to the client. When a lawyer has been retained by an insurer to represent an insured, for example, the representation may be limited to matters related to the insurance coverage. A limited representation may be appropriate because the client has limited objectives for the representation. In addition, the terms upon which representation is undertaken may exclude specific means that might otherwise be used to accomplish the client's objectives. Such limitations may exclude actions that the client thinks are too costly or that the lawyer regards as repugnant or imprudent. [7] Although this Rule affords the lawyer and client substantial latitude to limit the representation, the limitation must be reasonable under the circumstances. If, for example, a client's objective is limited to securing general information about the law the client needs in order to handle a common and typically uncomplicated legal problem, the lawyer and client may agree that the lawyer's services will be limited to a brief telephone consultation. Such a limitation, however, would not be reasonable if the time allotted was not sufficient to yield advice upon which the client could rely is limited to securing general information about the law the client needs in order to handle a common and typically uncomplicated legal problem, the lawyer and client may agree that the lawyer's services will be limited to a brief telephone consultation. Such a limitation, however, would not be reasonable if the time allotted was not sufficient to yield advice upon which the client could rely. Although an agreement for a limited representation does not exempt a lawyer from the duty to provide competent representation, the limitation is a factor to be considered when determining the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. See Rule 1.1. [8] All agreements concerning a lawyer's representation of a client must accord with the Rules of Professional Conduct and other law. See, e.g., Rules 1.1, 1.8 and 5.6. Criminal, Fraudulent and Prohibited Transactions [9] Paragraph (d) prohibits a lawyer from knowingly counseling or assisting a client to commit a crime or fraud. This prohibition, however, does not preclude the lawyer from giving an honest opinion about the actual consequences that appear likely to result from a client's conduct. Nor does the fact that a client uses advice in a course of action that is criminal or fraudulent of itself make a lawyer a party to the course of action. There is a critical distinction between presenting an analysis of legal aspects of questionable conduct and recommending the means by which a crime or fraud might be committed with impunity. [10] When the client's course of action has already begun and is continuing, the lawyer's responsibility is especially delicate. The lawyer is required to avoid assisting the client, for example, by drafting or delivering documents that the lawyer knows are fraudulent or by suggesting how the wrongdoing might be concealed he means by which a crime or fraud might be committed with impunity. [10] When the client's course of action has already begun and is continuing, the lawyer's responsibility is especially delicate. The lawyer is required to avoid assisting the client, for example, by drafting or delivering documents that the lawyer knows are fraudulent or by suggesting how the wrongdoing might be concealed. A lawyer may not continue assisting a client in conduct that the lawyer originally supposed was legally proper but then discovers is criminal or fraudulent. The lawyer must, therefore, withdraw from the representation of the client in the matter. See Rule 1.16(a). In some cases, withdrawal alone might be insufficient. It may be necessary for the lawyer to give notice of the fact of withdrawal and to disaffirm any opinion, document, affirmation or the like. See Rule 4.1. [11] Where the client is a fiduciary, the lawyer may be charged with special obligations in dealings with a beneficiary. [12] Paragraph (d) applies whether or not the defrauded party is a party to the transaction. Hence, a lawyer must not participate in a transaction to effectuate criminal or fraudulent avoidance of tax liability. Paragraph (d) does not preclude undertaking a criminal defense incident to a general retainer for legal services to a lawful enterprise. The last clause of paragraph (d) recognizes that determining the validity or interpretation of a statute or regulation may require a course of action involving disobedience of the statute or regulation or of the interpretation placed upon it by governmental authorities. [13] If a lawyer comes to know or reasonably should know that a client expects assistance not permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law or if the lawyer intends to act contrary to the client's instructions, the lawyer must consult with the client regarding the limitations on the lawyer's conduct. See Rule 1.4(a)(5). ## Nearby sections - [SCR 20:1.0 SCR 20:1.0. Terminology](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_0.md) - [SCR 20:1.1 SCR 20:1.1. Competence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_1.md) - [SCR 20:1.2 SCR 20:1.2. Scope of representation and allocation of](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_2.md) - [SCR 20:1.3 SCR 20:1.3. Diligence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_3.md) - [SCR 20:1.4 SCR 20:1.4. Communication](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_4.md) - [SCR 20:1.5 SCR 20:1.5. Fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_5.md) - [SCR 20:1.6 SCR 20:1.6. Confidentiality](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_6.md) - [SCR 20:1.7 SCR 20:1.7. Conflicts of interest: current clients](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_7.md) - [SCR 20:1.8 SCR 20:1.8. Conflict of interest: prohibited transactions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_8.md) - [SCR 20:1.9 SCR 20:1.9. Duties to former clients](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_9.md) - [SCR 20:1.10 SCR 20:1.10. Imputed disqualification: general rule](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_10.md) - [SCR 20:1.11 SCR 20:1.11. Special conflicts of interest for former and](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_11.md) - [SCR 20:1.12 SCR 20:1.12. Former judge, arbitrator, mediator or other 3rd-](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_12.md) - [SCR 20:1.13 SCR 20:1.13. Organization as client](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_13.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WI_SCR20A_R20_1_2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.