Checklist Questionnaire For Hiring a Lawyer

Company Letterhead

{{company_name}}

{{company_address}}

Phone: {{phone}}

Email: {{email}}

Website: {{website}}

Date of Interview/Assessment:

{{date}}

Candidate Lawyer Information

Firm Name: {{firm_name}}

Lawyer's Name: {{lawyer_name}}

Contact Number: {{lawyer_phone}}

Email Address: {{lawyer_email}}

Years of Practice: {{years_of_practice}}

Specialisation Areas: {{specialisation_areas}}

Professional Experience and Qualifications

1. Bar Admissions and Jurisdictions: {{bar_admissions}}

2. Relevant Case Experience (SME focus, if applicable): {{relevant_case_experience}}

3. Education and Professional Certifications: {{education_certifications}}

4. Membership in Legal Associations: {{legal_associations}}

Legal Services and Fee Structure

1. Services Offered: {{services_offered}}

2. Fee Arrangement (hourly, flat fee, contingency, retainer): {{fee_arrangement}}

3. Hourly Rate: {{hourly_rate}}

4. Estimated Costs for Initial Consultation: {{consultation_cost}}

5. Billing Cycle and Payment Terms: {{billing_cycle_payment_terms}}

6. Transparency in Invoicing: {{invoicing_transparency}}

Communication and Client Management

1. Preferred Communication Methods: {{communication_methods}}

2. Frequency of Updates: {{update_frequency}}

3. Availability for Consultations: {{consultation_availability}}

4. Client Portal/Management System (if any): {{client_portal_system}}

5. Conflict of Interest Policy: {{conflict_of_interest_policy}}

References and Reputation

1. Professional References Provided: {{professional_references}}

2. Client Testimonials/Reviews: {{client_testimonials_reviews}}

3. Online Presence and Reputation (e.g., LinkedIn, firm website): {{online_reputation}}

4. Any Disciplinary Actions or Complaints: {{disciplinary_actions}}

Suitability and Fit for SME

1. Understanding of SME Challenges and Needs: {{sme_challenges_needs}}

2. Proactive Legal Advice and Risk Mitigation: {{proactive_advice}}

3. Capacity to Handle Company's Legal Volume: {{legal_volume_capacity}}

4. Cultural Fit and Values Alignment: {{cultural_fit_values}}

Signature Block

___________________________

{{interviewer_name}}

{{interviewer_title}}

Date: {{signature_date}}