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The Retainer · by IntakeGenius

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

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Man working late at a dimly lit desk
Metrics

How to Calculate ROI on Intake Automation

Before you buy intake software, run the math on your own numbers. Here's a simple ROI formula, a worked example and a break-even check.

5 min read
Woman wearing headphones, listening
Metrics

Using Call Recordings to Improve Intake

Listening to real intake calls is the fastest way to improve them. Here's how to record lawfully, protect confidentiality and coach from what you hear.

6 min read
People with laptops listening to a colleague in a meeting
Metrics

Intake KPIs Every Small Firm Should Track

You don't need a dashboard with 40 metrics. These eight intake KPIs, checked weekly, tell a small firm where clients are being lost.

5 min read
Two people sitting across from each other in conversation
Metrics

Lead-to-Consultation Rate

Lead-to-consultation rate shows how many qualified leads get in front of an attorney. Here's how to measure it and where leads slip away.

5 min read
Man signing a document with a pen
Metrics

Cost Per Signed Client

Cost per lead flatters your marketing. Cost per signed client tells the truth. Here's how to calculate it and what brings it down.

5 min read
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Metrics

How to Track Lead Sources at a Law Firm

Most firms know what they spend on marketing but not which source signs clients. Here's how to trace a lead from first click to signed case.

6 min read
Open door in a dark room with light coming in
Metrics

Law Firm Intake Conversion Rate Benchmarks

Industry conversion benchmarks rarely measure what you think. Here's why they mislead and how to set a baseline from your own numbers.

6 min read
Empty waiting room with white chairs and plants
Metrics

Consultation Show Rate: How to Improve It

A no-show costs you an attorney hour and a likely client. Here's how to measure consultation show rate and the reminder habits that raise it.

5 min read
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Metrics

Missed Call Rate: How to Measure It and Fix It

Most firms guess their missed call rate and guess low. Here's how to pull the real number from your phone system and bring it down.

5 min read
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Metrics

Speed-to-Lead for Law Firms

Speed-to-lead is the time between a new inquiry and your first real response. Here's how to measure it honestly and bring it down.

5 min read
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