• The continuity rule is a tort law rule that establishes (i.e., temporarily terminates) a statute of limitations for bringing a negligence claim. (See Establishing a Limitation Period.) The continuing obligation rule (also known as the continuing circulation rule) is most commonly used when professional services are provided over a long period of time rather than on a single day. For example, the continuing obligation rule would apply in the case of a client who received legal advice from a lawyer within 1 year. In this situation, the statute of limitations expires until the attorney has completed providing legal advice on the matter. The rationale for the continuing obligation rule is that the plaintiff will not be able to discover the lawyer’s negligence until the lawyer stops giving advice.