Page 4 - SAMPLE LINKEDLAW DESKBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Three
Pre-Filing Considerations
§ 3.1 INITIAL CONTACT .................................................................................................................................... 3-1
A. Initial Considerations....................................................................................................................... 3-3
1. General Description .............................................................................................................. 3-3
2. Conflicts Check ..................................................................................................................... 3-3
3. Single or Joint/Dual Representation. .................................................................................... 3-5
4. What Result Does the Client Desire? .................................................................................. 3-5
5. Speed and Urgency .............................................................................................................. 3-5
B. Declining Representation ................................................................................................................ 3-6
§ 3.2 PREPARATION FOR INITIAL APPOINTMENT ........................................................................................ 3-6
A. Research ......................................................................................................................................... 3-6
B. Statute of Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 3-7
C. Potential Pitfalls .............................................................................................................................. 3-7
D. Internet Research ........................................................................................................................... 3-7
E. Suitability for Type of Litigation ....................................................................................................... 3-7
1. Sufficient Familiarity ............................................................................................................. 3-7
2. Financial Ability to Finance the Litigation ............................................................................. 3-8
3. Whether Case Would Best Be Referred .............................................................................. 3-8
4. What Are the Time Requirements for Handling This Case? .............................................. 3-10
F. SAMPLE
Simultaneous Legal Remedies ......................................................................................................3-11
§ 3.3 INITIAL APPOINTMENT ..........................................................................................................................3-11
A. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3-11
B. Client’s Version of the Case ...........................................................................................................3-11
1. What Happened? ............................................................................................................... 3-12
2. When Did It Happen? ......................................................................................................... 3-12
3. Where Did It Happen? ........................................................................................................ 3-12
C. Analyze the Potential Client .......................................................................................................... 3-12
1. Determining Who Is the Actual Potential Client ................................................................. 3-12
2. Good Fit .............................................................................................................................. 3-13
3. Red Flags ........................................................................................................................... 3-13
4. Time, Finances, and Effort ................................................................................................. 3-13
5. Potential Client Expectations.............................................................................................. 3-13
6. Pre-Accident Issues ........................................................................................................... 3-13
7. Discuss Nature and Extent of Injuries ................................................................................ 3-14
D. Analyze Damages ......................................................................................................................... 3-14
E. Obtain Documents ........................................................................................................................ 3-14
1. Personal Injury Matters ...................................................................................................... 3-15
2. Business Matters ................................................................................................................ 3-15
3. Investigative Matters........................................................................................................... 3-16
F. Potential Witnesses ...................................................................................................................... 3-16
G. Range of Potential Plaintiffs .......................................................................................................... 3-17