What does the duty of competence require from an attorney?

The duty of competence requires that an attorney possess the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation necessary to adequately represent a client. This means that a lawyer should be well-versed in the relevant law and be able to apply that knowledge effectively to the client's situation. Competence also encompasses an understanding of the law as it pertains to the client’s case and being capable of navigating the legal system proficiently.

In addition, this duty involves staying current with developments in the law and continuously enhancing one's skills, demonstrating a commitment to providing quality representation. Attorneys must also recognize when a case may require specialized knowledge beyond their expertise and, when necessary, seek guidance from or collaborate with others who can meet this standard.

Other options do not accurately reflect the core requirement of competence. Satisfaction is an important consideration, but it is not the sole standard by which competence should be measured. Maintaining a large caseload while providing quality representation may lead to conflicts between quantity and the quality of service, which undermines the duty of competence. Likewise, using personal beliefs as a standard for competence could lead to subjective interpretations of what is necessary for adequate representation, departing from the objective legal knowledge and skills required in practice.