In the scope of representation, who controls the means and who controls the ends?

The correct response outlines the fundamental principle of the attorney-client relationship, where the attorney has a unique role in guiding the legal strategy while respecting the client's autonomy in determining the desired outcome.

In this arrangement, the ends refer to the objectives or goals that the client wishes to achieve through the legal representation, such as winning a case, settling a dispute, or achieving a specific legal remedy. It is essential for the lawyer to listen to and understand the client’s goals, as these ultimately dictate the direction of the legal efforts.

On the other hand, the means pertain to the strategies, tactics, and methods employed by the lawyer to achieve those ends. The lawyer's expertise allows them to decide how best to pursue the client’s objectives within the bounds of the law and ethical considerations. This includes making decisions about how to present a case, what legal arguments to use, and which witnesses to call, among other tasks.

This division of control ensures that clients maintain agency over their goals while benefiting from the professional judgment and experience of their attorneys in determining the best way to accomplish those goals. Therefore, the principle reflects the collaborative nature of legal representation, where both the client's aspirations and the lawyer's expertise come together for effective advocacy.