1) Pro Bono in California: Expectations & Reporting

California encourages lawyers to support access to justice. The State Bar’s rules book includes aspirational language urging attorneys to render at least 50 hours of pro bono services annually, even though Rule 6.1 is reserved. [oai_citation:1‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rules-of-Professional-Conduct.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

New: Under AB 2505, active licensees must report pro bono (and reduced-fee) hours through their My State Bar Profile beginning with the 2026 licensing cycle (with optional reporting in 2025 for 2024 hours). The State Bar’s FAQ confirms the timeline and lists exemptions. [oai_citation:2‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/accessJustice/Mandatory-Pro-Bono-Hours-Reporting-FAQ.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

2) Limiting Scope Under Rule 1.2(b)

California permits “unbundled” services if the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent. Memorialize scope, tasks, and boundaries in writing (e.g., advice only; ghostwriting without appearance; one hearing only). [oai_citation:4‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.2-Exec_Summary-Redline.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

• Define tasks precisely: e.g., “draft responsive declaration re: support; no appearance.” Link each task to timelines and deliverables.
• Explain what you are not doing: discovery, service, enforcement, appeals, etc. Align this with Rule 1.4 duties to avoid surprises. [oai_citation:5‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.4.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• If short-term clinics: ensure the limited advice model is reasonable; obtain the client’s informed consent to the limited scope before proceeding. [oai_citation:6‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rules-of-Professional-Conduct.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

3) Court Rules & Mandatory Forms (Civil & Family)

The Judicial Council rules distinguish civil and family law limited scope. In civil cases, CRC 3.35–3.37 govern definitions, noticed representation (CIV-150), and undisclosed drafting (“ghostwriting,” generally no disclosure required within the document). In family cases, use CRC 5.425 and file FL-950 when appearing for limited issues. [oai_citation:7‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/three/rule3_35)

• Notice to the court/parties: File and serve CIV-150 (civil) or FL-950 (family) identifying the precise issues on which you appear. Service on both attorney and client applies while the limited appearance is active. [oai_citation:8‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/civ150.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Completing the engagement: To withdraw at completion (when no substitution is signed), use CIV-151 (civil) or the family-law “Notice of Completion” procedure/forms under CRC 5.425; Rule 1.16 confirms that compliance with these limited-scope withdrawal procedures satisfies your duty to seek leave. [oai_citation:9‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/civ151.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Ghostwriting (civil): CRC 3.37 allows undisclosed drafting assistance without identifying the lawyer in the document itself, subject to fee-shifting nuances. Document the limitation and advice in your file. [oai_citation:10‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/three/rule3_37?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

4) Ethics Guardrails (Rules 1.1, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7)

• Competence (Rule 1.1): Don’t accept limited tasks beyond your expertise or capacity. If you need more time or skill than the limitation allows, consult/associate, or decline. [oai_citation:11‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Communication (Rule 1.4): Explain the limitation and its risks so the client can make informed decisions; keep them reasonably informed about significant developments within your scope. [oai_citation:12‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.4.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Confidentiality (Rule 1.6/B&P §6068(e)(1)): Even in brief advice or ghostwriting, confidentiality applies with the same force as full-scope matters. [oai_citation:13‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.6-Exec_Summary-Redline.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Conflicts (Rule 1.7): Run conflicts the same as any other matter; obtain informed written consent when required; some conflicts remain non-consentable. [oai_citation:14‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.7-Exec_Summary-Redline.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

5) Illustrative Case Notes (context, not exhaustive)

• Lappe v. Superior Court (2014): family-law disclosures and mediation issues—illustrates that procedural/statutory duties (e.g., disclosure) can trump assumptions about informality or confidentiality. Limited scope counsel must still guard against shortcuts that violate mandatory processes. [oai_citation:15‡Justia Law](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2014/b255704.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Ghostwriting & fees (civil): CRC 3.37 confirms attorneys may assist with drafting without disclosure in the text; be mindful of any fee claims and ensure your fee agreement addresses undisclosed assistance. [oai_citation:16‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/three/rule3_37?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Withdrawal mechanics: The Rules of Court create simplified procedures for ending a limited appearance (e.g., CIV-151), and Rule 1.16 comment recognizes that compliance with those procedures satisfies the duty to seek leave. [oai_citation:17‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/civ151.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Practice pointer When citing case law in client materials, pair it with the controlling rule or form so expectations match the actual procedure (e.g., FL-950 + CRC 5.425 for family, CIV-150/151 + CRC 3.36 for civil). [oai_citation:18‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl950.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

6) Family & Landlord-Tenant: Field Notes

Family law

• Notice & scope definition: File FL-950 before appearing, specifying the exact issues (e.g., child support hearing on [date]). Courts expect precision; use the form’s checkboxes/fields and attach detail where needed. [oai_citation:19‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl950.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Service & communications: While the limited appearance is active, both the attorney and the party must be served; warn clients about direct service obligations on non-covered issues. [oai_citation:20‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/five/rule5_425?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Completion: Use the family-law completion process (e.g., FL-955) or substitution; calendar this at intake. [oai_citation:21‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/five/rule5_425?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Landlord-tenant (civil)

• Ghostwriting strategy: For UD answers/demurrers or motions, CRC 3.37 permits undisclosed drafting. Pair with a clear client script about what happens next—deadlines, service, appearances. [oai_citation:22‡California Courts](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/three/rule3_37?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Short-term clinics: Obtain informed consent to the limited nature of advice; if the matter needs deeper work, advise the client accordingly and provide referrals. [oai_citation:23‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rules-of-Professional-Conduct.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Conflicts & repeat players: Screen for conflicts with property managers and legal aid referral partners; Rule 1.7 applies even for 30-minute advice sessions. [oai_citation:24‡California State Bar](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.7-Exec_Summary-Redline.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

7) Common Pitfalls → Consequences (At-a-Glance)