When I began my career as a Personal Injury Legal Assistant, I was trained to prepare the client file as if you were arming your attorney for trial. In other words, initial file preparation should be an organized weapon based upon and an in-depth history of the facts.
Many times Paralegals, or Legal Assistants, establish the initial client relationship with the firm. This first in depth contact is known as the Intake Interview. This interview allows you to get the clients detailed account of the incident, while at the same time establishing a relationship of trust. Naturally you won’t tell the attorney verbatim details of the interview. However, you will present the attorney with the client’s summarized version of the facts which is known as the Intake Memo.
You will include such information as the statue of limitations, client contact information including, name, address, phone number, employer, and insurance. You should also include the same detailed information for the defendant as well. Naturally your memo will include a summarized detailed account of the facts surrounding the clients claim. It is also helpful to include a task list and relative suggestions that will help move the case forward based upon your perception of the clients. These suggestions will help to open dialogue between you and the attorney. Case discussion is vital to the life of the case. Discussion insures that you have a clear understanding of how the attorney wants the client’s case managed. As we all know, clear, concise communication insures a positive outcome.
If organized properly such memos become a checklist for managing the case. As you become more knowledgeable in your field, you will eventually learn to add statutes and background information for both the plaintiff and defendant. Seven key elements of a detailed Personal Injury Intake Memo include the following:
1. The date of the incident and Statute of Limitations
2. Venue
3. Detailed client Information includes Statute of Limitations, venue, client name, date of birth, insurance and employer information
4. Defendant’s information
5. Medical treatment history
6. Synopsis of the incident
7. Case Task Lists
Include a suggestion area for attorney comments and staff instructions. This area for attorney comment and instruction extends the ability of the memo to be used as a checklist.
VirtuPro Support Tip: To determine the Statute of Limitations try www.timeanddate.com
Jo Clemons is a Legal Assistant and owner of. A Virtual Legal Support service geared towards the needs of Solo Practitioners and Small Business Owners.
