New Matter Opening SOP
Legal | 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.
Free template from SAZ: https://playbooks.saz.ca/p/legal-sop