Client Matter Assessment & Scoping Prompt
Prompt
A [PASTE: client type]] client is seeking legal advice on [PASTE: legal issue]] and we need to scope the engagement carefully to manage expectations and profitability. Create a comprehensive matter assessment and scoping template. Include: (1) Matter overview – key facts, parties involved, timeline of events, and current status. What's the client's version of events? (2) Legal issues – identify 3-5 discrete legal questions we'll address. Are there cross-jurisdictional issues? (3) Scope definition – what's explicitly in scope (specific legal research, document review, advice memo, testimony)? What's out of scope (litigation, expert witness, negotiations)? (4) Risk assessment – what are the material risks and exposures? Quantify if possible (liability exposure, regulatory penalties, injunction risk). (5) Timeline & deliverables – what do we deliver and when? Research memo by week 2? Final advice by week 4? (6) Resource allocation – who's the client partner? What team expertise do we need? Staffing plan? Provide a sample matter summary memo template and resource plan with staffing and timeline. Make it clear enough to present to the client.
Why it works
Clear scope prevents disputes about what we're delivering. Clients appreciate transparency about legal questions we can vs. can't address.
Watch out for
Legal matters evolve as facts emerge. Build in checkpoints to revisit scope assumptions as new information surfaces.
Used by
Executives