The Retainer.
Running a firm like a business.
Field notes on intake, follow-up and the business side of a small law firm. Written by a practicing attorney who has run an intake desk, for the people who run theirs.
Latest posts
Why the First Firm to Answer Wins the Criminal Defense Client
Criminal defense callers dial firms in order and stop when someone helps. Why speed decides who gets hired, and what counts as a real answer.
Overnight and Weekend Intake Coverage for Criminal Defense
Arrests don't keep office hours. How small defense firms can cover nights and weekends without burning out, and what a written coverage plan needs.
Handling Calls from Family Members of Arrested Clients
Most criminal defense calls come from family, not the client. How to help them, stay clear on who the client is and protect confidentiality.
Capturing Court Dates and Bond Info on the First Call
A wrong court date or a vague bond note can sink a criminal case before the consult. What to capture, how to confirm it and a form you can copy.
Intake Questions for Arrest and Charge Calls
The questions to ask on every arrest or charge call, in the right order, plus the ones intake should stay away from. Checklist and script lines inside.
Best CRM for Criminal Defense Attorneys
Criminal defense leads call late, call scared and usually aren't the client. Here's what a defense firm should demand from a CRM.
How to Handle Jail Calls After Hours
A call from jail at 1 a.m. is short, often recorded and maybe your only shot. How to answer it, what to capture and what never to say.
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