The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), with Hennepin and Ramsey County Bar Association partners, are pleased to announce the new Minnesota Unbundled Law Project. The project is now available for clients and referrals at www.MNunbundled.org. Also known as limited scope representation, “unbundled” legal services allow an attorney and a client to customize legal services according to the client’s needs and budget. Services could be limited to a certain issue in a case, legal advice, review of court documents, or coaching a client who will provide self-representation.

The benefits of unbundled representation extend to both clients and attorneys. By paying an attorney to do only parts of a case where legal expertise is needed, the client saves money on legal fees and attorneys can use their time more efficiently. Time and energy are maximized for both parties because the attorney can provide information about the legal process and the client’s specific issues, in addition to identifying potential problems or hidden complications earlier in the process.

Those looking for unbundled referrals can get started at the Project’s website, www.MNunbundled.org, and find more information about what types of services they may want to hire an attorney to perform, as well as what to consider when deciding if unbundled representation is right for them.

The MSBA’s pro bono development director, Steve Marchese, in noting the importance of the project, said: “The Minnesota Unbundled Law Project brings together the work of the state’s largest bar organizations to increase access to limited scope/unbundled legal services for all Minnesotans. It provides an easily accessible platform for clients interested in more affordable legal options to connect with the attorneys interested in assisting them. We look forward to studying the results of this pilot so we can expand service to more people and more areas of practice throughout the state.”

Attorneys interested in being a participating provider can contact Steve Marchese directly at smarchese@mnbar.org.