(a) Definition “Limited scope representation” is a relationship between an attorney and a person seeking legal services in which they have agreed that the scope of the legal services will be limited to specific tasks that the attorney will perform for the person.
Rule 3.35.Definition of limited scope representation; application of rules
Division 1. General Provisions · Chapter 3. Attorneys · Last amended 2016 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceRule 3.35 defines limited scope representation as an agreement between an attorney and a client to limit the attorney’s work to specific tasks, applies Rules 3.35 through 3.37 to civil cases outside family law, and identifies noticed and undisclosed representation as the two recognized types.
Full Text of Rule 3.35
(b) Application Rules 3.35 through 3.37 apply to limited scope representation in civil cases, except in family law cases. Rule 5.425 applies to limited scope representation in family law cases. (Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2016.)
(c) Types of limited scope representation These rules recognize two types of limited scope representation:
(1) Noticed representation Rule 3.36 provides procedures for cases in which an attorney and a party notify the court and other parties of the limited scope representation.
(2) Undisclosed representation Rule 3.37 applies to cases in which the limited scope representation is not disclosed.
Plain-English Summary
Limited scope representation — sometimes called unbundled legal services — lets a client hire an attorney for part of a case rather than all of it. Rule 3.35 defines the arrangement: the attorney and the client agree in advance that the attorney’s work will cover specific tasks, not the full case from filing through judgment.
The rule then marks the boundaries of its own reach. Rules 3.35 through 3.37 govern limited scope representation in civil cases generally, but family law cases follow a separate rule instead. Within civil cases, the rule recognizes two distinct arrangements: noticed representation, where the attorney and client tell the court and other parties about the limited arrangement, and undisclosed representation, where they do not.
Which type applies determines which of the following two rules governs the details — Rule 3.36 for noticed arrangements, Rule 3.37 for undisclosed ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is limited scope representation in a California civil case?
It is an arrangement where a client and an attorney agree the attorney will handle only specific tasks in a case rather than represent the client throughout, as defined in Rule 3.35(a).
Does Rule 3.35 apply to family law cases?
No. Rule 3.35(b) applies Rules 3.35 through 3.37 to civil cases other than family law; a separate rule covers limited scope representation in family court.
What is the difference between noticed and undisclosed limited scope representation?
Amendment History
Rule 3.35 amended effective January 1, 2016; adopted effective January 1, 2007.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from
the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: unbundled legal services California definitionlimited scope representation civil case Californiawhat is noticed representation attorney