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
Intake for Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Inquiries
Elder law calls are often urgent and come from family. What to ask, what to flag and why staff should never explain Medicaid rules on the phone.
Capturing Asset and Family Information at Intake
What to ask about family and assets on the first call, what to save for the questionnaire, and what never to collect by phone.
Following Up with Estate Planning Leads Who Are Not Ready to Decide
Estate planning leads stall because nothing forces a decision. Here's a follow-up plan that's patient, useful and never pushy.
Qualifying Wills vs. Trusts Leads
Intake shouldn't decide whether a caller needs a will or a trust. It should spot the signals that tell your attorney which consult to book.
Best CRM for Estate Planning Attorneys
Estate planning leads take months to decide and often involve a couple or an adult child. Here's what a CRM needs to handle that slow, patient pipeline.
When Adult Children Call for a Parent: Intake Best Practices
When a son or daughter calls about Mom's will, the parent is still the client. How to run intake that's kind to the family and protects the firm.
Intake Script for Estate Planning Consultations
A word-for-word estate planning intake script for the first call, from the greeting to the booked consult, that stays out of legal advice.
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