Managing the client relationship

Question 1

what are the stages in the professional relationship?

Answer 1

1. initial screening
2. non-engagement or engagement
3. implementation
4. disengagement or completion

Question 2

What is the “Initial Screening” stage?

Answer 2

Lawyer must determine if they can assist the prospective client
- if they are competent to act
- if they can complete the tasks required in a timely manner
- if there are any conflicts of interest (this should be done prior to obtaining confidential info)

should be recorded in a memo to the file and a file should be opened even if the lawyer does not provide further services

Question 3

What is the “non-engagement or engagement stage?

Answer 3

The lawyer must decide whether to accept or decline the retainer

non-engagement
- Declining
- should be confirmed in writing (non-engagement letter)

engagement
- accepting
- confirmed in writing (retainer agreement/engagement letter)
- basic terms included are the scope and costs of the legal services to be provided

Question 4

What is the implementation stage?

Answer 4

The lawyer must competently carry out the legal services that they were hired to provide to the client

Question 5

what is the disengagement or completion stage?

Answer 5

Where the retainer comes to an end - either by completion or the retainer is terminated before completion.

Completion should be confirmed in writing (closing/reporting/disengagement/termination letter)