Legal work may begin with a consultation, continue as a defined assignment, or require ongoing support. The appropriate arrangement depends on the objective, documents, urgency, forum, and expected work.
Three common ways legal work is scoped
Initial consultation
A focused discussion of the facts, records, urgency, possible forums, and the next information needed. A consultation does not promise that a matter will be accepted or that a particular outcome is available.
Defined assignment
A specific task such as document review, drafting, notice preparation, filing support, negotiation preparation, or representation for an identified stage.
Ongoing retainer
Recurring support may suit businesses or matters involving regular advice, repeated drafting, compliance questions, multiple appearances, or continuing coordination.
What to confirm in the scope
- The issue and objective covered by the engagement.
- The documents and information the client must provide.
- The tasks included, the responsible contact, and expected communication method.
- Professional fees, payment stages, and any separate court, filing, travel, expert, or third-party costs.
- Important exclusions, dependencies, and deadlines.
- How either side can conclude or revise the arrangement.
Fees and timing depend on the actual scope and should be discussed for the specific matter. No fee arrangement can guarantee a legal result.
Services for people and businesses
Use the relevant service hub to identify the documents and procedural stage before making an enquiry.
Civil law · Criminal law · Family law · Property law · Business and corporate law · Cybercrime law
For a consultation
Send a short summary, the immediate deadline, and a list of the records available. Do not send original documents through the website.
For an ongoing retainer
Prepare the expected work types, frequency, internal contacts, existing matters, and any regular compliance or contracting needs.
Important limits
Information on this page is general and does not itself create an advocate-client relationship. Acceptance of work depends on a matter-specific review and agreed scope. Read the privacy policy before sending personal information.
