(a) In accordance with Rule 1.2(c) of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, an attorney may undertake to provide limited representation to a person involved in a court proceeding.
Rule 4.1.Limited Representation Permitted — Process
Enacted effective October 1, 2011 · Last verified June 26, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4.1 lets an attorney provide limited-scope (“unbundled”) help to a litigant without it counting as a full appearance, so the opposing side keeps serving the client directly unless the lawyer formally appears.
Full Text of Rule 4.1
(c) Representation of the person by the attorney at any proceeding before a judge or other judicial officer on behalf of the person constitutes an entry of appearance, except to the extent that a limited notice of appearance as provided for under Rule 4.2 is filed and served prior to or simultaneous with the actual appearance. Service on an attorney who has made a limited appearance for a party shall be valid only in connection with the specific proceedings for which the attorney appeared, including any hearing or trial at which the attorney appeared and any subsequent motions for presentation of orders.
Plain-English Summary
Not everyone can afford a lawyer for an entire case, and Rule 4.1 makes room for “unbundled” legal help. Consistent with Rule 1.2(c) of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, an attorney may agree to handle only part of a matter — drafting a document, say, or appearing for one hearing — without becoming counsel of record for everything.
The key consequence is about service. Providing limited representation is not an entry of appearance under Rule 5(b), so the other side continues to serve papers on the client, not the lawyer. That changes only when the attorney actually appears at a proceeding — and even then, service on a limited-appearance lawyer is valid only for the specific proceeding the lawyer handled. An attorney who misuses the rule can face Rule 11 sanctions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is limited representation?
An arrangement in which a lawyer helps with only part of a case — such as drafting a pleading or handling a single hearing — rather than representing the client for the whole matter.
If a lawyer gives me limited help, who does the other side serve?
You, the client. Limited representation is not an appearance under Rule 5(b), so papers are served on you, not the lawyer — unless and until the lawyer formally appears.
When does the lawyer’s limited role count as an appearance?
When the lawyer appears before a judge or judicial officer on the client’s behalf, except where a limited notice of appearance under Rule 4.2 is filed and served first.
Source & verification. Reproduced verbatim from the Montana Code Annotated as
published by the State Law Library of Montana and the Montana Legislature. This rule has not been amended since its adoption.
Adopted by the Supreme Court of Montana (AF 07-0157). Last verified June 26, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: limited scope representationunbundledlimited representation