- Greet the client, explain your role, and express appreciation for the client’s interest and time.
- Put the client at ease. Engage the client in conversation, commenting on common areas of interest, weather, travel experience, etc.
- Transition to the interview by explaining the dual purpose of the interview; gathering information and providing information.
- Determine if the legal matter is the type that would interest to you
- Determine if the particular client is one that you would have an interest in representing.
- Communicating to the client the anticipated steps ahead, including discussing those matters which cannot be known at this time.
- Listen to the Client – What’s the most important thing to the client at this point? The client wants and needs to tell the lawyer his or her story and then receive some advice. The client might not think of that story-telling communication as a goal, but it almost always is an important need. Many clients have, in fact, been rehearsing their story for some time.
- How to address the client’s initial need to tell their story is something that is handled differently by many lawyers. It is a reflection of their personal style and the subject matter of their practice. There is no right method here, although there are some wrong ones, such as the lawyer doing most of the talking, using lots of unexplained legal jargon and allowing little or no time for follow-up questions by the potential client.
- It is important to control the initial client interview from the beginning and avoid letting the client wander into irrelevant matters that could waste a lot of time.
- Interrupting the client could keep the client from telling the story.
- Asking open-ended question like “So what are you here to talk about today?” or “Why have you decided you need to see a lawyer?”
- Maintain eye contact – Looking someone in the eye while they are talking assures them you are the focus of their attention.
- Be alert for non-verbal cues – Observing your client’s posture, tone and expression may help your initial communication process.
- Repeat back what was said – One of the best ways to verify understanding in communications is to rephrase and repeat back the message. This technique reassures the client that you did understand what was said, and may provide an opportunity to correct a misunderstanding.
- After the client has paused in his or her “opening statement,” the lawyer now has the opportunity to ask for clarification and details. Good note-taking is an important aspect of the interview, as is completing the information on the in-house forms that your office uses for initial interviews.
- At this stage, a primary concern becomes whether the client can and will pay the attorney’s fees in the amount that appears likely.
- Attorney fees should always be discussed at some point during the initial client interview. Everyone is concerned about the expense of purchases, whether goods or services. You should never assume that a client knows what an attorney fee should be or does not care about the amount of the fees.
- Get a retainer fee. Deposit it in your trust account. It is the business-like thing to do.
- You should have an engagement agreement.
If you choose not to accept a client, then you should send a non-engagement letter and keep copies of these letters in a separate file on your computer in a file called “non-engagement.” If you are uncomfortable with the client or if there are statute of limitations concerns, you should send the letter “return receipt requested.”
Representation in Tax Audits & Appeals
Need assistance in managing the audit process? Freeman Law’s team of attorneys and dual-credentialed attorney-CPAs regularly represents taxpayers before the IRS and Texas Comptroller. Our team also provides tax return-related representations and helps taxpayers navigate state tax laws. Our Firm offers value-driven services and provides practical solutions to complex issues. Schedule a consultation or call (214) 984-3410 to discuss our tax representation services.
