Best Practices for Lawyers During Client Intakes

Initial meetings with clients should follow a structure. The onboarding process is time-consuming and covers a lot of ground. You must gather all the pertinent personal information about your new client, as well as details related to their legal case. Since this first meeting is normally not billable, you need to streamline the process so you can make a good impression while staying efficient.

It is essential that you have a lawyer professional liability insurance policy to protect yourself. A dissatisfied client may try to claim that you have been negligent. Or, that an error on your part has caused them financial harm. The right coverage can help mitigate the risk.

What Should a Lawyer Do In the First Meeting With a Client?

Meeting with a lawyer can be a stressful experience for a client. Do your best to put them at ease and create a good relationship. Engage with them and be straightforward.

Listen to your potential client attentively and note down all relevant information about the case. You can use technology and software programs to make gathering data easier for both of you. Create templates for common documents and input information directly into the system during your meeting to save time and prevent errors. You can even have an e-signature option available so your new client can sign agreements easily.

What Are the Steps In the Intake Process?

There are key steps to follow to simplify the intake process for yourself and the client:

• First, you need to attract potential clients. They may find you by searching for a lawyer or by a recommendation from one of your former clients.
• Gather the potential client’s contact information so you can conduct a pre-screening. During this process, you need to ask about their case and expectations to find out if you are a good match.
• Conduct a conflict check to ensure there aren’t any reasons that would prevent you from acting as the client’s lawyer.
• Schedule the initial consult and collect all the information you need for the case when you meet.
• Create an agreement for your new client to sign. Discuss fees and the billing schedule.

Follow protocols exactly and be transparent in all your dealings with the client. While lawyer professional liability insurance is there to help protect you if a client makes a claim against you, it’s best to avoid it. Document everything that you discuss and answer client questions so you stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings.

Always strive to improve your methods to offer your clients a better customer experience and simplify your workflow. Pay attention to strategies that work and make them company-wide policies that all staff members follow. This will keep your client interactions consistent.

When you make a good impression on a client, your favorable reputation grows. They are likely to recommend you to others which can lead to greater success in your practice.

About Coastal Oak Insurance Services

At Coastal Oak Insurance Services, we strive to protect your personal and business assets from coast to coast. When you work with us, you’re family. Contact us today at (949) 519-3738 to learn more about how we can provide you with comprehensive and tailored insurance coverage.