Checklist Questionnaire For Hiring a Lawyer

Company Letterhead (To be completed by the requesting SME)

{{company_name}}

{{company_address}}

{{phone}}

{{email}}

{{website}}

I. General Information and Engagement Details

1.1 Date of Questionnaire: {{date}}

1.2 Name of SME Representative Completing Form: {{sme_representative_name}}

1.3 Contact Information of SME Representative: {{sme_representative_contact}}

1.4 Brief Description of Legal Matter/Services Required: {{legal_matter_description}}

1.5 Anticipated Commencement Date of Services: {{start_date}}

1.6 Desired Completion Date (if applicable): {{completion_date}}

II. Lawyer/Law Firm Credentials and Experience

2.1 Name of Lawyer/Law Firm: {{lawyer_firm_name}}

2.2 Primary Contact Person (if firm): {{primary_contact_person}}

2.3 Years in Practice (Lawyer) / Years Established (Firm): {{years_in_practice}}

2.4 Area(s) of Specialisation Relevant to our Needs: {{areas_of_specialisation}}

2.5 Provide three (3) references from current or former clients (with consent):

a. Client Name: {{client_reference_1_name}}, Contact: {{client_reference_1_contact}}

b. Client Name: {{client_reference_2_name}}, Contact: {{client_reference_2_contact}}

c. Client Name: {{client_reference_3_name}}, Contact: {{client_reference_3_contact}}

2.6 Has the lawyer/firm ever been subject to disciplinary action by a regulatory body? Yes/No. If Yes, please provide details: {{disciplinary_action_details}}

III. Fee Structure and Billing

3.1 What is the proposed fee structure? (e.g., hourly, fixed fee, retainer, contingency): {{fee_structure}}

3.2 If hourly, what is the hourly rate for each professional involved? (e.g., Senior Partner: {{senior_partner_rate}}, Associate: {{associate_rate}}, Paralegal: {{paralegal_rate}})

3.3 Are there any additional costs or disbursements not included in the fee? (e.g., filing fees, travel expenses, expert witness fees): {{additional_costs}}

3.4 How frequently are invoices issued? {{billing_frequency}}

3.5 What are the payment terms? {{payment_terms}}

3.6 Is a detailed breakdown of services and expenses provided in invoices? Yes/No.

IV. Communication and Reporting

4.1 What is the preferred method of communication? (e.g., email, phone, in-person meetings): {{preferred_communication}}

4.2 How often can we expect updates on the progress of our matter? {{update_frequency}}

4.3 Who will be our primary point of contact? {{primary_contact_lawyer}}

4.4 How quickly can we expect a response to enquiries? {{response_time}}

V. Conflict of Interest

5.1 Have you conducted a conflict of interest check regarding our company and the specific matter? Yes/No.

5.2 Are there any known or potential conflicts of interest that could arise? If Yes, please explain: {{conflict_of_interest_explanation}}

VI. Insurance and Professional Indemnity

6.1 Does the lawyer/firm hold valid professional indemnity insurance? Yes/No.

6.2 What is the coverage limit of the professional indemnity insurance? {{insurance_coverage_limit}}

6.3 Please provide proof of insurance upon request.

VII. Final Assessment and Decision

7.1 Overall assessment of the lawyer/firm's suitability (SME to complete): {{overall_assessment}}

7.2 Key strengths identified: {{key_strengths}}

7.3 Potential concerns (if any): {{potential_concerns}}

7.4 Decision: Hired / Not Hired / Further Information Required (SME to select)

7.5 Reason for Decision: {{reason_for_decision}}

VIII. Signature Block

_____________________________

Printed Name: {{sme_representative_name}}

Title: {{sme_representative_title}}

Date: {{date}}

_____________________________

Printed Name: {{lawyer_firm_representative_name}} (for acknowledgment of questionnaire receipt)

Title: {{lawyer_firm_representative_title}}

Date: {{date}}