By Julie Bays

October is recognized nationally as Pro Bono Month, a time to celebrate the legal profession’s longstanding tradition of service and encourage lawyers to step forward in meeting unmet legal needs. For Oklahoma lawyers, this month offers not only an opportunity to give back but also to consider innovative approaches to closing the justice gap in our state. 

THE JUSTICE GAP AND LEGAL DESERTS

Legal Services Corp.’s most recent justice gap report found that a staggering 80% of individuals across all income levels did not seek legal help for the issues they faced. For low-income households, the most common barrier is cost – or even the perception of cost. Only 45% of low-income individuals felt confident they could find a lawyer they could afford. Even among moderate-income individuals, defined as up to 400% of the federal poverty line, that number only rises to 59%.

For Oklahomans living in rural communities, the challenges are even more acute. Some counties have only a handful of practicing lawyers. These “legal deserts” leave residents to navigate family law, housing disputes and consumer issues on their own, often without even the possibility of local representation. The result is more self-represented litigants in court and an increased strain on the judicial system. 

LIMITED SCOPE SERVICES AS A SOLUTION

One model to help bridge this gap is limited scope representation (LSR), sometimes called “unbundled services.” Instead of taking on every aspect of a case, lawyers offering LSR step in where their help will make the biggest difference. That might mean explaining the court process, drafting a pleading or preparing a client for a hearing while the client handles the rest of the case.

This model breaks legal work into smaller, affordable pieces, giving clients access to the guidance they need most without the cost of full-service representation. For lawyers, it’s a way to extend services to more Oklahomans, especially in communities with limited resources. LSR improves court efficiency and makes the justice system less intimidating for people who might otherwise try to go at it alone.

Rule 1.2(c) of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct expressly permits this type of representation, as long as the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent. In 2017, Oklahoma also adopted District Court Rule 33, which authorizes lawyers to draft pleadings and other documents for pro se litigants without formally entering an appearance, provided the lawyer’s limited role is disclosed on the document.

These rules provide clear authority and structure for Oklahoma lawyers to offer LSR safely and ethically. For clients, LSR can mean the difference between going to court completely unassisted or having professional guidance that helps them better navigate the system. For lawyers, it can be a way to expand services to those who cannot afford full representation while still running a sustainable practice. 

WHY LAWYERS SHOULD CONSIDER LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION

LSR offers practical advantages for both clients and attorneys facing the realities of Oklahoma’s justice gap. Many Oklahomans, while unable to afford full-service legal representation, can still pay for targeted legal assistance. This model presents a valuable opportunity to meet unmet needs while making legal services more accessible.

For lawyers, LSR is not only a means to serve the community but also a pathway for professional growth and sustainability. New lawyers, those in transition or attorneys approaching retirement can benefit from the steady work and goodwill that comes with offering unbundled services. Clients who initially seek limited help frequently return for full-service representation as their circumstances change, transforming one-time interactions into lasting professional relationships. Even modest fees from unbundled services can contribute to a sustainable revenue stream while enhancing reputation and expanding the client base.

Judges and court staff also see significant benefits as LSR helps self-represented litigants file clearer pleadings and arrive at hearings better prepared. This increased preparedness improves court efficiency and reduces strain on the judicial system.

Technology further boosts the effectiveness of LSR. Automated document assembly tools, practice management systems and online scheduling platforms streamline administrative tasks, allowing lawyers to provide high-quality, locally informed services with less overhead. These resources make it easier for lawyers to deliver accessible and affordable help to those who need it most.

For those interested in exploring LSR further, the OBA Management Assistance Program is available for resources and guidance. By incorporating limited scope services into their practice, lawyers can make a meaningful impact on access to justice in Oklahoma while growing their own professional opportunities. 

OKLAHOMA FREE LEGAL ANSWERS

An easy option for providing pro bono service with minimal disruption to a lawyer’s daily schedule is Oklahoma Free Legal Answers. This program, operated in partnership with the American Bar Association, is a secure online platform where qualified low-income Oklahomans can post civil legal questions. Volunteer attorneys log in at their convenience, select questions in their area of knowledge and provide written answers.

The program is designed to make volunteering simple. There is no minimum commitment. Attorneys can answer as few or as many questions as their schedules allow, and they can pick the questions they want to answer. Volunteers remain anonymous unless they choose otherwise, and importantly, the ABA provides malpractice coverage for all advice given through the platform. This means lawyers do not need to carry their own liability insurance to participate.

Clients must meet eligibility requirements, including having an income below 250% of the federal poverty level, being older than 18 and having less than $5,000 in assets. Most questions involve family law and landlord-tenant issues, although other common civil matters arise, too. Even answering a handful of questions each month can significantly ease the burden for Oklahomans who might otherwise go without help. 

ACCESS TO JUSTICE SUMMIT

Finally, I want to highlight the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation’s Access to Justice Summit on Oct. 24. This free day of CLE brings together judges, lawyers and advocates to explore practical strategies for improving access to justice across the state. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn, network and be inspired to engage in pro bono and low bono service. 

CONCLUSION

Whether through limited scope representation, answering a few questions online or attending the Oklahoma Access to Justice Summit, October is the perfect time to recommit to service. Lawyers hold a unique place in society as guardians of justice. By taking small but meaningful steps, we can help ensure that access to justice is not determined by geography or income. I encourage you to find a way this month to use your skills for the public good. 

Ms. Bays is the OBA Management Assistance Program director. Need a quick answer to a tech problem or help solving a management dilemma? Contact her at 405-416-7031, 800-522-8060 or julieb@okbar.org. It’s a free member benefit.

Originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal — October, 2025 — Vol. 96, No. 8