Client Intake

What is client intake?

Client intake is the process of onboarding new clients before beginning work. For professional service firms, intake involves collecting client information, running conflict checks, assessing fit, gathering required documents, and establishing the engagement terms. A structured intake process ensures you have what you need to serve clients well while protecting your firm from problematic engagements.

Standard intake steps

Collect contact information and key details about the client and their needs. Run conflict checks against existing and former clients. Verify identity for compliance requirements in regulated industries. Assess whether the engagement fits your expertise and capacity. Gather documents needed to begin work. Present and sign the engagement letter or fee agreement. Set up the client in your billing and matter management systems.

Building intake efficiency

Standardize intake with checklists and forms. Online intake questionnaires collect information before initial meetings. Automate conflict checks where possible. Create templates for engagement letters by service type. Assign intake responsibilities clearly. Track how long intake takes and where delays occur. Efficient intake gets you to billable work faster while ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.