What is the test for proving a lawyer's representation was deficient in a federal habeas action?

Proving that the attorney's representation was deficient requires the petitioner to identify the acts or omissions that he alleges were not the result of reasonable professional judgment. Id. at 690. In a federal habeas action, the district court must then determine whether considering the facts and circumstances as a whole, the identified acts or omissions were outside the range of competent and professional legal assistance. Id. "We strongly presume that counsel's conduct was within the wide range of professional assistance, and that he exercised acceptable professional judgment in all significant decisions made." Hughes v. Borg, 898 F.2d 695, 702 (9^th Cir. 1990).