Which factor is NOT part of determining a lawyer's competence?

The determination of a lawyer's competence under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct involves several key factors that relate directly to the lawyer’s ability to adequately represent a client. Among these factors, relative complexity and specialized nature of the matter, the general experience of the lawyer, and specialized training and experience all directly tie into how well a lawyer can handle a specific case or legal issue.

Choosing the number of years in practice as a factor in assessing competence may not accurately reflect a lawyer's actual ability to competently represent clients. While experience can be an important component, simply having a certain number of years in practice does not guarantee that a lawyer possesses the necessary skills or knowledge for a specific legal matter. Competence is more about the lawyer's ability to adapt, understand, and effectively manage the particulars of the case rather than just the length of time they have been practicing law. Therefore, the number of years in practice is not a definitive measure of a lawyer's competence.