802.045.Limited scope representation permitted — process.

Section 802.045 authorizes limited scope representation: an attorney’s role in an action may be confined to one or more particular proceedings or issues, as long as a notice of limited appearance says so and is filed and served on the parties before or at the same time as the proceeding it covers. Providing this kind of representation does not amount to a general appearance under section 801.14.

The notice of limited appearance must state the client’s name and party designation, the specific proceedings or issues covered, a statement that the attorney will file a notice of termination once the work is done, a statement that the attorney must be served with all documents while the limited representation continues, and the client’s current contact information. Service during that period follows section 801.14(2m).

The representation ends without a further court order once the attorney files and serves a notice of termination stating that the attorney has completed the services described in the original notice, has complied with any court orders, has served the termination notice on all parties including the client, and has provided the client’s current contact information. The director of state courts supplies the forms clerks of circuit court use for these filings.