Organizing the first conversation with defense counsel.

1. Identify your role and the parties

Prepare your name, preferred contact method, role in the project and the names of the relevant people and companies. Distinguish your individual role from the role of each entity.

2. Describe the general issue

Use a brief description of the type of matter, such as a demand, complaint or dispute concerning project communications. Do not send the detailed merits narrative or attachments with the initial inquiry.

3. Flag an urgent date

Identify any immediate deadline you are aware of. Ask counsel to review the document and determine the applicable dates after conflicts and the next steps are addressed. This guide does not calculate a deadline or confirm that time remains to respond.

4. Prepare questions for the discussion

• Which people or entities are seeking representation?
• Who is already advising the project or its participants?
• What information should be provided next, and through which channel?
• What availability, scope and engagement terms need to be resolved?

Keep detailed material for the next step

Use the firm’s contact page for the initial inquiry. Organize documents privately for your discussion; do not upload them to this educational site.