Rule 1.1 CompetenceABA RULE 1.1
ADOPTED, EFFECTIVE JAN. 1, 2008 CLIENT-LAWYER RELATIONSHIP
Rule 1.1. Competence
(a) A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client.
(b) Legal competence requires at a minimum:
(1) specific knowledge about the fields of law in which the lawyer practices;
(2) performance of the techniques of practice with skill;
(3) identification of areas beyond the lawyer's competence and bringing those areas to the client's attention;
(4) proper preparation; and
(5) attention to details and schedules necessary to assure that the matter undertaken is completed with no avoidable harm to the client's interest.
(c) In the performance of client service, a lawyer shall at a minimum:
(1) gather sufficient facts regarding the client's problem from the client, and from other relevant sources;
(2) formulate the material issues raised, determine applicable law and identify alternative legal responses;
(3) develop a strategy, in consultation with the client, for solving the legal problems of the client; and
(4) undertake actions on the client's behalf in a timely and effective manner including, where appropriate, associating with another lawyer who possesses the skill and knowledge required to assure competent representation.
NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMENT
The New Hampshire Rule continues the prior New Hampshire Rule, expanding on the Model Rule to serve both as a guide and objective standard. The Model Rule standards of legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary are rejected as being too general.
ABA RULE 1.1
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