1. CALIFORNIA CIVIL LITIGATION INITIATING THE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
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2. FIRST CONTACT WITH PROSPECTIVE CLIENT
Determine:
Any client deadlines?
Is case of interest to the firm?
Was client referred?

3. PREPARE CLIENT FOR INTERVIEW
Advise client to bring:
Information
Documents
Pleadings

4. PREPARE FIRM FOR INTERVIEW
Conflict of Interest
Meritorious
Competence
Expertise/Interest in Case

5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Does attorney or paralegal have prior relationship with any adverse party?

6. FIRM’S FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Compatibility with practice?
Financial ability to handle case?

7. INITIAL INTERVIEW Firm: Learn about the case and client
Build client confidence
Communication protected by privilege

8. INITIAL INTERVIEW Client: Rapport with attorney and staff?
How case will be handled?
What case will cost?
Firm has expertise for the case?
Possible outcomes?

9. INITIAL INTERVIEW Firm: Conflict of interest? Rapport with client?
Firm ability to meet challenges of case?
Client ability to pay for services?

10. CLIENT COST CONSIDERATIONS
Costs vs. Fees

11. Costs—out-of-pocket expenses of the case.
Fees—money paid to firm for its time.

12. RULE:
Unless by agreement or law, the prevailing party can recover costs but not fees.

13. FEE AGREEMENTS
Hourly
Contingency
Fixed
Combination

14. ACCEPTING NEW CLIENT Sign fee agreement Note all deadlines
Get all information and documents
Smooth transition with prior attorney

15. SUMMARY Interview, Fee Agreements, Substitutions
PREVIEW
Courts in California
Jurisdiction