Paralegal's guide to a client intake

QUESTION: Dear Legal Wiz,

Good morning, You’re doing a fantastic job. However I think you should research and post more information for paralegals in the Caribbean. I am a paralegal in Jamaica, just graduated.
Can you give me some guidance on how to prepare an intake for a client.
PJ

RESPONSE: Dear PJ
Thanks for logging on the site PJ. Assuming you already know what an intake is, one advice would be to prepare a general form for your business, whether you are supervised by an attorney, operate as an independent paralegal or not.
Truley glad you reached out so at least it confirms there are some persons who strive to be professional and the intake really protects you as well as the attorney.
Preparing an intake requires these basic facts:
1. client identity
2. lawyer identity
3. contact details of client;
4. scope or service – make sure to state your limitations
5. scope of work;
6. conflict of interest
7. client obligations;
8. delegation of work;
9. expected chronology;
10. fee arrangement;
11. billing format – detail retainer here or in an additional retainer form;
12. rate changes;
13. withdrawal or termination of services clause;
14. signing clause

Legal Wiz

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DISCLAIMER:
The above does not constitute or replace professional legal advice.
The responses to the varied submitted questions are drafted by our inhouse journalist, after research and consultations with attornies-at-law and other relating experts in their fields. It is not to be assumed therefore that all members of the Legal Wiz team are trained and practicing attornies-at-law, realtors, investigators, but being a part of the network such personnel utilise their skills for the success of all.
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