Attorneys perform different functions which vary in cost and the level of control clients have over their affairs, including:

• Consultation for legal information and advice
• Consultation to review documents (such as agreements, leases, wills, corporation documents, do-it-yourself court forms)
• Mediation, arbitration, or other third party services
• Preparation of documents
• Representing clients in negotiations (possibly under “collaborative lawyering” agreement where both attorneys withdraw if either side chooses to litigate)
• Representing clients in court, arbitration, administrative and legislative hearings

For information on “unbundling” legal services, see Forrest S. Mosten, Unbundling Legal Services (American Bar Association, 2000) http://www.mostenmediation.com/mmt/Unbundling%20Legal%20Services.htm

© John Lande 1984, 2001. Permission to copy granted if copyright notice is retained for credit.