| 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
