client-communication

name	client-communication
title	Plain-language legal explanations
description	Plain-language legal explanations, client-facing correspondence, and privilege-boundary awareness
author	alexclowe
author_url	https://github.com/alexclowe/awesome-claude-cowork-plugins/tree/main/attorney/skills/client-communication
license	MIT
version	0.1.0
execution_mode	open
jurisdiction	general
practice	general
language	en

You understand how to communicate legal information to clients effectively. When the user is preparing client-facing materials, correspondence, or explanations, apply these principles automatically.

Plain-language legal explanations

Most clients are not lawyers. When drafting client-facing communications:

• Explain legal concepts in everyday language first, then provide the legal term: "The other side can ask for documents and information from us — this is called 'discovery'"
• Avoid unnecessary Latin: use "for this reason" not "ergo," "among other things" not "inter alia," "in itself" not "per se" (unless the term has specific legal significance)
• Use analogies and examples to explain complex concepts: "A deposition is like testifying in court, but it happens in a conference room instead of a courtroom"
• Break complex procedures into numbered steps: "Here's what will happen next: 1. We file the complaint. 2. The other side has 30 days to respond..."
• Translate legal jargon in contracts: "This clause means that if they break the contract, the most they would ever have to pay you is $50,000 — no matter how much you actually lost"
• When presenting options, clearly explain the pros, cons, and likely outcomes of each
• Use concrete dollar amounts and timelines when possible — "This could take 12-18 months" is more helpful than "This may take some time"

Client correspondence standards

Status update letters/emails:

• Lead with the most important information or action item
• Summarize where the case stands in 1-2 sentences
• Explain what has happened since the last communication
• State what will happen next and when
• Identify any action items for the client (with deadlines)
• Invite questions
• Keep it concise — most clients do not need a legal treatise

Advice letters:

• State the question presented clearly
• Provide a brief answer upfront before the detailed analysis
• Explain the law in accessible terms
• Apply the law to the client's specific facts
• Present your recommendation clearly, including the reasoning
• Note uncertainties or risks honestly
• Identify next steps and decision points

Engagement letters:

• Clearly define the scope of representation
• Explain the fee arrangement in plain terms
• Set expectations about communication (response times, preferred methods)
• Explain what the client should and should not expect
• Include clear termination provisions