Checklist Questionnaire For Hiring a Lawyer

Company Letterhead

{{company_name}}

{{company_address}}

Phone: {{phone}}

Email: {{email}}

Website: {{website}}

Introduction and Purpose

This questionnaire is designed to assist {{company_name}} in evaluating prospective legal counsel. The aim is to ensure that the selected lawyer possesses the necessary expertise, experience, and understanding of our business requirements to provide effective legal support.

Please complete this questionnaire thoroughly to provide us with a comprehensive overview of your practice and capabilities.

Section 1: General Information

1.1. Firm Name: {{firm_name}}

1.2. Primary Contact Person (Lawyer): {{lawyer_name}}

1.3. Contact Number: {{lawyer_phone}}

1.4. Email Address: {{lawyer_email}}

1.5. Physical Address of Firm: {{firm_address}}

1.6. Website (if applicable): {{firm_website}}

1.7. Year firm was established: {{establishment_year}}

Section 2: Legal Specialisation and Experience

2.1. Please list your primary areas of legal specialisation relevant to business law:

a) {{specialisation_1}}

b) {{specialisation_2}}

c) {{specialisation_3}}

2.2. Describe your experience in representing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Southern Africa.

2.3. Provide examples of significant cases or projects you have handled that are relevant to {{company_name}}'s industry (e.g., {{company_industry}}).

2.4. Do you have experience with cross-border legal matters within Southern Africa? If so, please elaborate.

Section 3: Professional Qualifications and Standing

3.1. Please provide details of your legal qualifications and professional affiliations (e.g., Law Society membership, bar associations):

a) {{qualification_1}}

b) {{qualification_2}}

3.2. Are there any disciplinary actions or complaints lodged against you or your firm in the past five years? If yes, please provide details.

3.3. Do you hold professional indemnity insurance? If so, please state the coverage amount and insurer: {{insurance_provider}}, {{coverage_amount}}.

Section 4: Fee Structure and Billing

4.1. Describe your standard fee structure (e.g., hourly rates, fixed fees, retainer, contingency basis).

4.2. What are your hourly rates for junior lawyers, senior lawyers, and partners? (Junior: {{junior_rate}}/hr, Senior: {{senior_rate}}/hr, Partner: {{partner_rate}}/hr)

4.3. Do you offer discounted rates for long-term engagements or specific types of work? If so, please explain.

4.4. How often do you issue invoices? (e.g., {{billing_frequency}})

4.5. Are there any additional charges such as disbursements, administrative fees, or travel expenses? Please specify.

Section 5: Client Communication and Service

5.1. How do you typically communicate with clients (e.g., email, phone, video conferencing, in-person meetings)?

5.2. What is your expected response time to client inquiries? (e.g., {{response_time}})

5.3. How do you keep clients informed about the progress of their matters?

5.4. Do you have a dedicated client portal or online system for case management? If so, please describe.

Section 6: References

6.1. Please provide three client references, preferably SMEs or businesses in related fields, that we may contact:

a) Reference 1: Name: {{reference_1_name}}, Company: {{reference_1_company}}, Contact: {{reference_1_contact}}

b) Reference 2: Name: {{reference_2_name}}, Company: {{reference_2_company}}, Contact: {{reference_2_contact}}

c) Reference 3: Name: {{reference_3_name}}, Company: {{reference_3_company}}, Contact: {{reference_3_contact}}

Section 7: Declaration

I, {{lawyer_name}}, hereby confirm that the information provided in this questionnaire is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I understand that any misrepresentation may lead to the disqualification of my firm from consideration for legal services.

Signature Block

____________________________

Signature of Lawyer/Authorised Representative

Name: {{signature_name}}

Date: {{signature_date}}