scope-the-matter

name	scope-the-matter
description	Scope a matter and choose the fee structure deliberately, since an open-ended hourly with no budget breeds write-offs. Reach for this before engaging.

Skill: Scope the matter and fee

An un-scoped matter on open-ended hourly is where write-offs are born.

Step 1 — Define the scope

Phases, deliverables, and what's excluded (§3 #4).

Step 2 — Choose the fee structure

Hourly, flat, or contingency by risk allocation.

Step 3 — Set a budget

Phase budget and a process for scope changes.

Step 4 — Document the engagement

Tie scope, fee, and billing cadence to the engagement letter (§3 #7).

Output

A scoped matter, a fee structure, a budget, and engagement terms — for the attorney to finalize.