New Matter Opening SOP
Use this when: New matters open inconsistently, and steps sometimes get missed.
Owner: [responsible lawyer] 1. Run a conflict check on all parties and related names. 2. Record the result, and have the lawyer review any possible conflict. 3. Identify and, where required, verify the client under your law society's rules. 4. Confirm the scope, fees and retainer in a signed engagement letter. 5. Open the matter with a number, the responsible lawyer and the billing arrangement. 6. Enter limitation dates and key deadlines, with a second person checking them. 7. Set up the file and access permissions. 8. Handle any retainer funds under your trust accounting rules. 9. Send the client a welcome note: who's on the file, and how to reach them.
Before you use this: Your law society's rules take priority over this template, so have the managing lawyer align it with them.
Fill in the items in square brackets and adapt this to your business. It's a starting point, not legal or professional advice. You can also check the AI & Privacy Checker.
More for legal
New Client Intake Call Script for Law Firms
Someone has called about a possible legal matter and an intake person answers.
AI Prompt for Routine Client Correspondence
You want a draft of a routine status letter for a lawyer to review.
More sops
New Listing Launch SOP
A listing agreement is signed and you need every launch to happen the same way.
RFI Logging and Tracking SOP
Questions to the design team are getting lost, or nobody can say which ones are still open.
Service Call Close-Out SOP for Technicians
Job notes, photos and follow-ups vary from one technician to the next.
Check your key numbers with the Operator ScorecardSAZ's legal practice