Client Intake/Matter Screening Checklist

• Before permitting a client or prospective client to provide any confidential information regarding a prospective representation, the names of all the parties involved and other public facts concerning the matter must be run through the conflicts system.
  
  
  • Review past billing records and accounting files
  • Review file and data management software and/or physical client files
  • Confirm no conflict of engagement as to past or current clients
• Prepare a Client Intake Form which includes:
  
  
  • The names of all clients to be represented
  • The names of all parties to the matter or transaction
  • The names of all fiduciaries (past/present)
  • Whether the engagement involves any kind of actual or potential conflict of interest
  • The source for payment of your fees
• Run a search of the Court docket using the name of the potential new client Inquire if the Client has had any past conflicts with Fiduciaries, including the filing of objections to past accountings or the commencement of litigation against past Fiduciaries.
• Inquire if the Client has paid all of his Fiduciary expenses to date and all accounts are otherwise settled
• Inquire if the Client was previously rejected by other Fiduciaries or other Fiduciaries withdrew from their representation of the Client
• Inquire if the Client is estranged from or in conflict with any family members.
• If the Client is asking you to do something out of the ordinary course of engagement, speak to an attorney prior to accepting the new matter
• Speak to the potential Client about their expectations for representation and the costs associated with the engagement
• Send formal engagement letter or non-engagement letter following meeting with client