Elevating Client Intake Processes: Tools and Techniques for Paralegals and Associates

The client intake process spans the first call a potential client initiates to a law firm, followed by the conflict check, and leading up to gathering information and conducting the client interview. A client interview is the crucial first step where an attorney has the opportunity to meet the client, obtain the client's expectations relative to their matter, and determine whether the client and law firm are a fit and can work together to accomplish the client's goals. Prior to conducting the client interview, the attorney should gather information that is available about the client, including, but not limited to, any past or pending lawsuits. By providing information to the client at the client interview, the attorney obtains a sense for who the client is and can build on this information throughout the client interview to build trust, engage the client, and establish rapport. Managing the client's expectations should be a priority and realistic expectations should be identified along with a preliminary roadmap on how to meet the client's expectations all while effectively communicating to the client any challenges posed during the pendency of a matter.

This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE. 

Key topics to be discussed:

• Understanding the importance of client interviews
• Techniques for effective communication
• Key questions to ask during the initial meeting
• Building trust and rapport with clients
• Essential element
• Managing expectations and navigating difficult conversations

Closed-captioning available