client-intake-summary

name	client-intake-summary
language	en
description	Produces a structured corporate-client intake brief from intake forms, consultation notes, and initial communications. Use when onboarding a new corporate matter, processing an intake packet, summarizing consult notes, running a conflict check, or triaging deadlines for a corporate governance matter.

Client Intake Summary

Converts raw intake materials into an evidence-tagged, team-ready brief for attorney review and matter activation.

Prerequisites

Gather before starting:

• Intake packet: forms, engagement data, identity/contact details, entity structure
• Communications: emails, call/meeting notes, preliminary documents
• Jurisdiction cues: governing state, filing location, corporate governing documents
• Conflict inputs: firm CRM/conflict database or prior-representation list (or note that none was available)
• Fee framework: hourly/flat expectations, retainer status, billing constraints, payor source
• Time-sensitive facts: deadlines, hearings, board dates, contract expirations
• Scope notes: permission and confidentiality scope for each source document

Quick Start

1. Collect and tag all source documents.
2. Run conflict/ethics check (or note gap).
3. Draft the brief using the section order and template below.
4. Mark every unknown field Unknown and every unverified legal point [VERIFY].
5. Route to assigning attorney with urgency classification.

Output Sections

Produce in this fixed order:

Section	Content	Format
Executive Overview	2–3 sentences: matter, client objective, urgency	Plain text
Client Profile	Names, roles, contacts, communication prefs, confidentiality sensitivity	Bulleted fields
Matter Snapshot	Type, legal issue, key parties, factual timeline, status, governing entities	Chronological table
Preliminary Legal Considerations	Governing law cues, implied claims, jurisdiction questions, privilege/authority risks, SOL flags	Checklist
Financial Notes	Fee discussion, retainer, budget constraints, funding source, billing risk	Bullets; standardize dollar amounts
Risks and Red Flags	Inconsistencies, credibility issues, unrealistic outcomes, complexity indicators	Risk table (Low/Med/High)
Conflicts and Ethics	Conflict search status, adverse-party overlap, confidentiality conflicts, privilege boundaries	Status table
Follow-Up Queue	Missing facts, documents, and answers needed	Numbered action list
Immediate Next Steps	24h actions, 7-day actions, owner, dependency	Prioritized checklist

Header Template

Client:
Matter ID:
Matter Type:
Jurisdiction:
Intake Sources:
Date Received:
Status: New / Pending / Urgent

Core Drafting Rules

1. Facts vs. inferences — every Fact row must cite at least one source.
2. Dates — use YYYY-MM-DD throughout.
3. Client quotes — preserve only when materially relevant.
4. Names — verify spellings against source materials; do not over-edit.
5. Uncertainty — flag with [VERIFY] and list what must be checked.
6. Order — address conflict/confidentiality posture before legal merits.

Pitfalls and Checks

• No legal advice. Tone is internal and professional; no counseling recommendations.
• Urgency required. Every brief must classify as Immediate, This Week, or Routine.
• SOL / filing deadlines. If mentioned, include the governing trigger rule + [VERIFY] for jurisdiction-specific requirements.
• No fabricated timelines. Missing dates go in the Follow-Up Queue, not invented.
• Confidentiality. Avoid unnecessary sensitive disclosures in shared summaries.
• Corporate governance. Capture entity authority limits, board/committee roles, and document governance references.
• Closing line. End with: recommended assignment owner, recommended first task, and estimated start date.