If you are searching for a lawyer, odds are you are in a challenging situation and you need help. You may be anxious about what the future may hold, and you may be nervous at the thought of going through a legal process.
Before you pick up the phone to call a law firm, it’s important to organize the details pertaining to your case. Having this information readily available – and neatly organized – will ensure a smoother and more efficient phone call or visit. Your initial intake is important since it provides crucial information needed for the law firm to understand your case and determine if it is a matter the firm may accept.
You will likely speak to the law firm’s “case intake coordinator.” This is the person responsible for speaking to potential clients, taking down information about their cases, and explaining the new-client process.
Be mindful not to ask the case intake coordinator or legal support staff for advice. Only a licensed attorney may give legal advice.
Capture Essential Information
Law firms understand the stress you are under, so when you make the initial call, please speak clearly and slowly. Clear communication will ensure that your case is accurately understood and noted by the case intake coordinator.
Be prepared to give the following information:
- First and Last Name
- Date of Birth
- Contact Information
- May include telephone number, email address, and home address
- Essential Dates
- Date complaint filed, whether you have been personally served, response deadlines (if known), upcoming court date(s) or appearances, etc.
- Sensitive and personal information detailing your legal issue(s)
- The referral source
- The case number and jurisdiction (if the case is active)
Conflicts Checks
All law firms must complete a “conflict check.” During this review process, firms determine whether there are any conflicts of interest your case may present. This check ensures that the firm may represent a new client without compromising a duty of loyalty to other current or former clients.
During your case intake call, please have the correct spelling of the adverse party’s name, and any other information you think may be helpful to determine if there is a conflict of interest. Attorneys have a fiduciary duty that prevents them from representing someone whose interests conflict with those of a client they represent. It is necessary to clear this important step before the attorney-client relationship begins.
Referral Source
Client referrals are helpful because they show that another person (possibly known to the law firm), trusts you and vouches for you. Referrals are not necessary, but they may be helpful when the law firm considers taking your case.
If someone has referred you to the firm, have the person’s first and last name handy to give the intake person.
Summarize Your Case
After the above-listed information has been provided, now is the time to tell your story about what happened. A few things to consider:
- Have your relevant documents ready.
- List the most important details and deadlines to discuss during your call.
- Prepare to ask questions regarding the firm’s onboarding process.
Setting Expectations
Given your legal situation, it is understandable that you may be anxiously awaiting a reply from the law firm. You may think: “What is taking so long?” Checking conflicts and referrals takes time, and good lawyers are thorough. A lawyer who takes the time properly to vet clients and cases is a good lawyer.
Conclusion
When calling a law firm, have your basic information ready, be prepared to answer questions, and keep your answers concise. The initial phone call with a law firm may be the beginning of a relationship, so it’s best to start off on the right foot.
Brittani Ribeiro is the case intake coordinator at McManis Faulkner, a prominent Silicon Valley trial firm.
