interview agenda new client at law firm

Pre-Interview Preparation

  • Access client files and previous records.
  • Note key details about the client's history.
  • Identify any significant events or issues.
  • Summarize findings for quick reference during the interview.
  • Collect documents related to the client's case.
  • Organize materials in a logical order.
  • Include any relevant statutes or precedents.
  • Ensure all documents are easily accessible.
  • Draft open-ended questions to encourage discussion.
  • Include specific inquiries related to the case.
  • Consider questions about client expectations.
  • Prioritize questions based on importance.
  • Test video conferencing software for connectivity.
  • Check audio and visual settings.
  • Ensure backup communication methods are available.
  • Familiarize yourself with the platform's features.
  • Choose a quiet location free from distractions.
  • Arrange seating for comfort and accessibility.
  • Ensure privacy to protect client confidentiality.
  • Consider ambient factors like lighting and noise.
  • Identify laws pertinent to the client’s case.
  • Summarize key regulations for quick reference.
  • Stay updated on any recent legal changes.
  • Consider implications of these laws for the client.
  • Examine current trends in the client's industry.
  • Identify common legal challenges within the field.
  • Review articles or reports that highlight key issues.
  • Prepare insights to share during the interview.
  • Gather case studies or examples of similar cases.
  • Highlight attorney qualifications related to the client's needs.
  • Summarize firm history and specialties.
  • Tailor the overview to address the client's situation.
  • Review client lists to identify any overlaps.
  • Confirm any prior or existing relationships with clients.
  • Document potential conflicts and prepare to address them.
  • Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines.
  • Analyze the client's concerns and possible resolutions.
  • Outline risks and benefits of each potential outcome.
  • Consider alternative solutions if initial options are not viable.
  • Be ready to discuss these options during the interview.
  • Send a calendar invite with all relevant details.
  • Verify the client’s availability and preferences.
  • Provide information on how to access the meeting.
  • Remind the client a day before the interview.
  • Design forms to capture essential client information.
  • Include sections for specific case details.
  • Ensure forms are easy to understand and complete.
  • Bring printed copies or digital access for the client.
  • Compile all emails and notes from prior communications.
  • Identify key points and unresolved issues.
  • Summarize relevant information for quick access.
  • Be prepared to reference past discussions.
  • Outline possible client responses and next steps.
  • Determine who will handle follow-up actions.
  • Prepare templates for follow-up communications.
  • Ensure clarity on timelines for responses.
  • Create a structured folder for all documents.
  • Use digital tools for quick retrieval of materials.
  • Ensure all necessary items are within reach.
  • Check that notes are clear and concise.

Introduction

  • Stand up and smile.
  • Use the client's name.
  • Offer a handshake or appropriate greeting.
  • Make eye contact to establish rapport.
  • Ensure a welcoming atmosphere.
  • State your full name and position.
  • Briefly describe your role in the firm.
  • Introduce each attendee with their name and title.
  • Encourage attendees to share their roles if necessary.
  • Maintain a friendly tone throughout.
  • Outline the meeting objectives clearly.
  • Mention any specific issues to discuss.
  • Reassure the client of confidentiality.
  • Set expectations for the meeting duration.
  • Invite questions for clarification on the agenda.
  • Greet the client warmly.
  • Ask about their day or recent events.
  • Share a relevant, relatable anecdote.
  • Use humor appropriately to lighten the mood.
  • Maintain eye contact and smile to foster comfort.
  • Ask the client how they prefer to be called.
  • Clarify the pronunciation of their name if needed.
  • Respect their preference throughout the meeting.
  • Use titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.) if appropriate.
  • Ensure to ask if they prefer a formal or informal approach.
  • Mention the firm’s founding year and mission.
  • Highlight key practice areas relevant to the client.
  • Share notable achievements or recognitions.
  • Introduce the firm's values and commitment to clients.
  • Keep the overview concise and relevant.
  • Introduce your position at the firm.
  • Highlight your experience in the relevant area of law.
  • Discuss any specialties or unique qualifications.
  • Mention past successful cases similar to the client’s issue.
  • Express your commitment to assisting the client.
  • Provide a clear outline of topics to be discussed.
  • Explain the purpose of each agenda item.
  • Indicate time allocated for each section.
  • Invite the client to add any topics they wish to cover.
  • Emphasize flexibility to adjust as needed.
  • Invite questions at the beginning of the meeting.
  • Reassure the client that all inquiries are welcome.
  • Pause regularly to check for understanding.
  • Clarify any complex legal terms or concepts.
  • Create an open and inviting atmosphere.
  • Emphasize the firm’s confidentiality policies.
  • Reassure the client that their information is secure.
  • Encourage honesty to better address their needs.
  • Explain the attorney-client privilege.
  • Reiterate your commitment to their best interests.

Client’s Background Information

  • Encourage the client to summarize their issue.
  • Ask open-ended questions for clarity.
  • Take notes on key points raised.
  • Clarify any ambiguous statements.
  • Ensure the client feels heard and understood.
  • Request full name and preferred name.
  • Collect phone number and email address.
  • Ask for address and any relevant identification.
  • Verify spelling of names and details.
  • Ensure confidentiality of the information collected.
  • Inquire about the client's goals for the case.
  • Ask how the client defines success.
  • Discuss any timelines or deadlines important to them.
  • Address any concerns the client may have.
  • Ensure alignment between client expectations and legal strategy.

Legal Issues Discussion

  • Encourage the client to describe their situation.
  • Listen actively to understand the context.
  • Take notes on key points mentioned by the client.
  • Ask for examples to clarify complex issues.
  • Inquire about the background of the issues.
  • Ask about any previous legal actions taken.
  • Clarify terms or jargon used by the client.
  • Encourage the client to elaborate on critical points.
  • Ask about any upcoming court dates or hearings.
  • Identify statutory deadlines for legal actions.
  • Discuss the client's timeline for resolution.
  • Document any time-sensitive information provided.

Client’s Previous Legal Experience

  • Ask the client to detail previous legal matters.
  • Request names of attorneys or firms involved.
  • Clarify the type of legal issues addressed.
  • Identify if representation was for personal or business matters.
  • Request specifics on the resolution of each case.
  • Determine if the client was satisfied with the outcome.
  • Inquire if there were any appeals or further actions taken.
  • Understand how outcomes affected the client’s current situation.
  • Ask the client how they feel about legal procedures.
  • Gauge their previous experiences with court or mediation.
  • Identify any fears or concerns regarding legal processes.
  • Discuss preferences for communication and updates during the case.

Legal Services Explanation

  • Review client's situation and specific needs.
  • Outline relevant legal services tailored to their case.
  • Provide examples of similar cases handled by the firm.
  • Clarify the process and timeline for each service offered.
  • Identify key issues and goals for the client.
  • Suggest various legal strategies based on the case details.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of each approach.
  • Encourage client input and preferences on strategies.
  • Invite the client to share their concerns openly.
  • Listen actively and acknowledge their questions.
  • Provide clear, concise answers to each concern.
  • Reassure the client about the support they will receive.

Fee Structure and Payment

  • Provide a clear breakdown of fees.
  • Explain different billing methods.
  • Mention any additional costs (court fees, etc.).
  • Discuss how fees align with services offered.
  • Present available payment plans (installments, etc.).
  • Clarify eligibility for payment options.
  • Explain any interest or fees associated.
  • Discuss the process for enrolling in plans.
  • Explain when invoices will be issued.
  • Detail frequency of billing (monthly, quarterly, etc.).
  • Discuss acceptable payment methods (credit, check, online).
  • Clarify any penalties for late payments.

Next Steps

  • Review notes taken during the meeting.
  • Identify main issues raised by the client.
  • Highlight any commitments made by both parties.
  • Draft a summary document for internal reference.
  • Share the summary with relevant team members.
  • Determine specific actions that need to be taken.
  • Assign responsibilities to team members.
  • Establish deadlines for each action item.
  • Prepare a checklist of tasks to track progress.
  • Communicate the plan to the client.
  • Identify key dates based on discussed timelines.
  • Use a calendar tool to propose meeting times.
  • Confirm availability with all participants.
  • Send calendar invites with agenda items.
  • Follow up 24 hours before the meeting.

Closing

  • Express genuine appreciation for their visit.
  • Acknowledge their willingness to share information.
  • Reinforce the importance of their input in the process.
  • Encourage open dialogue for any remaining concerns.
  • Clarify any points discussed during the meeting.
  • Ensure the client feels comfortable asking questions.
  • Share your direct phone number and email address.
  • Explain preferred communication methods and response times.
  • Reiterate the importance of staying connected for updates.

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