Growing your business through client intake [CLE recap]

Did you know 87% of people will hire the first lawyer they reach? This is why smooth client intake is essential to your firm’s success. 

Attorney and Smokeball legal technology advisory Jordan Turk offers her insight on the client intake process in this CLE. 

Her advice is to set the stage for success by providing a seamless and easy first client interaction. By pairing an empathetic, hands-on approach with automated intake tools, you’ll create exceptional working relationships with your clients.  

Part 1: Potential Client 

1. 10 tips for better bonding and assessing your client's history
2. Discuss client’s needs and expectations
3. Manage those expectations and adjust if not reasonable  

Part 2: 12 Steps to Elevate Client Process   

1. Standardize conflict check process  
2. Narrow your lead sources  
3. Provide client paperwork ahead to fill out online 
4. Beware of waiver of privilege  
5. Be clear about case costs   
6. Give client a case roadmap and set expectations 
7. Have fee agreement already filled out 
8. Have the client initial the evergreen clause   
9. Collect the consultation fee prior to the consult 
10. Seal the deal before starting the work   
11. Trust your gut (it's okay to decline representation!) 
12. Follow up with PNCs that don't immediately retain you  

Part 3: Automating Your Intake 

Ensure you have an online tool to automate the intake process. Jordan shows Smokeball Intake as an example of how you can use embeddable forms to collect prospect information from your website or email. That information automatically populates a Smokeball matter, and you can follow up with a custom matter intake form to quickly get additional information to jumpstart the case. 

Part 4: Fee Agreement Provisions 

Jordan shares ten things to consider for your fee agreement to ensure you and your law firm are covered. 

If you’re not already using Smokeball Intake, discover the benefits and learn how to activate it in your account.