Legal Case Inquiry

LEGAL CASE INQUIRY

This Legal Case Inquiry Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of Date: between Client Name: ("Client") and Law Firm Name: ("Firm").

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client seeks an initial evaluation and possible legal representation regarding the matter described as: ; and

WHEREAS, Client may disclose confidential or proprietary information to Firm for the purpose of evaluation, including but not limited to dates, witnesses, documents, and medical or employment records related to incident or claim dated: ; and

WHEREAS, Firm will perform preliminary conflict checks and limited factual review to determine potential representation, subject to the terms set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Purpose of Inquiry

The purpose of this Agreement is to set forth the terms on which Firm will review Client's information for the limited purpose of evaluating potential representation. The scope of the inquiry is limited to preliminary factual and legal assessment and conflicts analysis. Any substantive legal work, legal advice, or representation will require a separate written engagement agreement executed by both parties.

2. No Attorney-Client Relationship

Client acknowledges and agrees that no attorney-client relationship is created by the exchange of information under this Agreement. No confidential relationship exists unless and until Firm sends a written engagement letter and Client executes and returns that letter and any required retainer or fee agreement. Firm reserves the right to decline representation after completing the inquiry.

3. Confidentiality and Use of Information

Client may provide Firm with documents and information marked or represented as confidential. Firm will treat information submitted for the purpose of this inquiry as confidential to the extent permitted by applicable professional conduct rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Firm may use disclosure necessary to comply with legal obligations, court orders, or to respond to regulatory inquiries. Client acknowledges that, for the limited purpose of conflicts analysis, Firm may disclose identifying information to Firm personnel or to counsel retained by Firm for conflicts searches.

4. Conflicts Check Authorization

Client expressly authorizes Firm to conduct conflicts checks using Client's name, opposing parties, witnesses, insurers, and other reasonably relevant identifiers. Client authorizes Firm to compare such information to Firm's current and former client lists and to consult third-party databases or counsel for the limited purpose of determining whether a conflict exists.

5. Document and Record Release

Client authorizes Firm, if necessary to complete the inquiry, to request or obtain relevant documents and records from third parties or prior counsel. Client further represents that Client either owns the rights to provide such materials or has obtained any required consents to authorize Firm's review. Client may revoke this authorization at any time in writing, provided that revocation will not affect actions already taken by Firm in reliance on prior authorization.

6. Costs; Fees

The preliminary inquiry described herein will generally be provided without charge. If Client requests Firm to undertake specific investigations, retrieval of records, or other work outside the scope of an inquiry, Firm will notify Client in advance of any anticipated costs or fees. Any legal services provided following this inquiry will be subject to a separate written fee agreement.

7. Data Retention and Disposal

If Firm declines representation, Firm will retain Client's materials for a reasonable period for recordkeeping and potential conflicts purposes and thereafter may destroy or securely archive such materials in accordance with Firm's document retention policies, except as required by law. Client may request return of original documents within thirty (30) days of notice of declination; Client shall bear reasonable costs associated with returning or copying materials.

8. Notices

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by hand, certified mail, or overnight courier to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as either party designates by written notice.

9. Amendments; Waiver

This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by both parties. No waiver of any breach or default shall be effective unless in writing signed by the party granting such waiver.

10. Governing Law; Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of , without regard to choice-of-law principles. Any action arising from or related to this Agreement shall be brought in state or federal courts located in that state.

11. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions, understandings, and agreements between the parties concerning the inquiry.

12. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be reformed to the extent necessary and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Signatures transmitted by electronic means shall be deemed originals for all purposes.

Sign Now