Questions
&
Answers
The lawyer-client interview is a key part of DLA client services process. It’s best to be prepared with the right research and questions to understand what the client expects of us, whether they are a fit for the firm, and how we can provide you the best service.
The questions we will ask may vary according to the client’s specific situation, but these will apply to virtually every client:
1. Could I confirm your contact information and case details?
Mistakes can happen with case data recording. This is a good time to confirm your contact details and ensure you cover all the basic information.
2. Can you tell me more about your legal issue?
We will have done the research on our prospective client’s issue in advance, but it’s important to listen to it from your perspective. We will ask for clarification where needed and take notes of any flags we may need to address such as conflict of interest or services we may not provide.
3. Have you worked with a lawyer before?
If you - the prospective client - has worked with another lawyer in the past, your answer to this question will give us insights into your expectations of the lawyer-client relationship and whether we are the right fit for your issue. It also reveals how familiar you are with the legal system.
Additionally, this question will reinforce the conflict check process to ensure there are no misunderstandings in retaining you as a client.
4. Have you worked with a lawyer on this specific matter?
If you - the prospective client - has worked with another lawyer on this specific matter, it’s important to know why you are coming to us instead. These follow-up questions are needed to understand your reasoning.
5. Can you tell us why you want to pursue this matter?
This is an opportunity for you to share your understanding of your legal situation and how you feel about the case. It will reveal your understanding about the issue and why you are pursuing it as well.
6. Can you walk us through your legal issue?
This is another question to glean an understanding of how you view your legal matter and your understanding of the facts. We will also gain better insight into what is most important to you.
7. What is most concerned about the issue?
As lawyers, we are likely to have a different focus for the case than you. This is the time to understand what is concerning you, such as the cost of pursuing legal action or the possible outcome, and how we can best serve you.
8. How can we help you with this matter?
This is an open-ended question that can reveal what you expect from us and why you are looking for the aid of a lawyer instead of handling it yourself.
9. What is our goal for this matter?
We may have an idea of how you want to handle a case and what you expect the outcome to be, but it’s crucial that you understand how the case is going to unfold.
10. Do you have any additional information or supporting documents that we should know?
It’s possible for either you to miss finer details or documents. Asking this question gives you the opportunity to add any details that may not have come up.
11. Do you have any questions for us?
After we have covered all the information that we need in the initial interview, you have a chance to ask further questions.
