The AI Intake Checklist for Law Firms

Intake is where most firms try AI first: a website chatbot, an after-hours voice agent, a tool that summarizes consult notes. It's also where the ethics rules start, because you owe a prospective client duties before you've agreed to take the matter.

This free 4-page checklist has 24 yes/no checks. Work through it with whoever runs intake at your firm. Every "no" is a gap to close before the tool goes live.

What it covers:

• Before you pick a tool: the vendor's data terms, business vs. consumer plans, where transcripts end up
• What the tool says: telling people it's automated, declining legal advice, no attorney-client relationship yet, what to do in an emergency
• What it collects: conflict-check details first, only the facts intake needs, no Social Security numbers or medical records, a retention period for people who never hire you
• Who checks its work: a named reviewer, staff training, one owner who can switch it off
• Speed and follow-up: an answer in minutes, a human callback within one business day
• Talking to clients: engagement letter language and billing for time the tool saved

The checks cite the ABA Model Rules (1.1, 1.5, 1.18, 5.1, 5.3) and Formal Opinion 512 on generative AI tools (July 29, 2024). Count your "no" answers at the end: the scoring guide says whether to launch, fix one intake step first, or write a policy before you pick a tool.

Who it's for: solo and small-firm attorneys, office managers and intake staff deciding whether, and how, to put AI in front of new leads.

It's free. Enter $0, or pay what you like. The download link is emailed to you.

Not legal advice. This is a planning aid for attorneys and firm staff and creates no attorney-client relationship. Rules differ by state, so check your jurisdiction's rules and any bar guidance on generative AI.

Made by AmagiLabs (amagilabs.ai).