What obligations does an attorney have regarding competency?

An attorney's obligation regarding competency is primarily centered on the duty to maintain knowledge of the law and keep their skills current. This responsibility is rooted in the ethical standards established in the California Rules of Professional Conduct, which emphasize that attorneys must provide competent representation to their clients. Competence requires a lawyer to have the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation necessary for the representation.

Maintaining knowledge of the law entails staying informed about changes in legislation, case law, and legal developments relevant to the areas in which the attorney practices. This could involve continuing legal education, attending seminars, and reviewing legal publications. The duty of competence is crucial to ensure that clients receive effective assistance and that their legal rights are adequately protected.

The other options do not align with the requirements set forth in professional responsibility. For instance, taking only cases one is excited about does not guarantee that the attorney has the requisite competence for the matters being handled. Consulting with other attorneys for guidance can be a strategy to enhance competence, but it does not fulfill the primary obligation of a lawyer to maintain their own legal skills. Furthermore, avoiding difficult cases does not address the importance of being able to handle complex legal issues when they arise; competence involves adequately preparing oneself to meet the challenge of such cases