What can a lawyer do to address their incompetence in a specific area of law?

A lawyer can address their incompetence in a specific area of law by associating with another lawyer, with the client's permission. This approach aligns with the ethical obligation of competence that attorneys have under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Specifically, Rule 1.1 states that a lawyer must provide competent representation, which requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.

By associating with another lawyer, the attorney acknowledges their limitations and seeks out someone who possesses the necessary expertise to effectively handle the case. This collaboration can enhance the quality of representation provided to the client and ensure that their legal needs are met in a competent manner.

In contrast, other options fail to maintain the standards of legal representation. Retaining the same strategy regardless of competence can endanger the client's interests. Ignoring the issue until it resolves itself demonstrates a lack of responsibility and can lead to detrimental outcomes for the client. Handling the case independently without additional help, when lacking the necessary competence, does not serve the client's best interests and breaches the ethical duty to provide competent representation.