Client Identification
Full legal name, legal entity type, government ID references, and contact information to support identity verification and KYC checks required by compliance programs.
Using a Legal Client Review Application reduces intake errors, documents client consent and fee terms, and creates an auditable record that supports ethical and regulatory compliance.
Intake and review duties vary by firm size and structure; the list below shows common roles that prepare or approve the application.
Role-based workflows help allocate tasks and ensure each required check is completed before engagement is finalized.
A non‑attorney staff member who collects client data, uploads supporting documents, and triggers automated conflicts screening. They ensure fields are complete and escalate unresolved identity or disclosure issues to the supervising attorney.
A senior attorney who reviews flagged conflicts, negotiates fee arrangements, and authorizes acceptance or decline. This role documents discretionary decisions and retains a signed application to support professional responsibility compliance.
Full legal name, legal entity type, government ID references, and contact information to support identity verification and KYC checks required by compliance programs.
Succinct statement of the legal matter, key facts, jurisdiction, relevant parties, and anticipated deadlines to scope the representation and assign resources.
Statements on related parties, prior representations, and adverse interests used to run conflicts checks and document any waivers or screening measures.
Retainer amount, billing rate or flat fee, billing frequency, and dispute resolution provisions to avoid later fee conflicts and ensure client understanding.
Signed acknowledgements for document retention, background checks, HIPAA releases where applicable, and consent to electronic records and signatures.
Supporting documents such as IDs, corporate formation records, engagement letters, and proof of authority to bind an entity.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Identity Fields | Require government ID; enable automatic field detection and validation. |
| Conditional Sections | Show entity questions only when 'Business' selected; hide personal fields. |
| Signer Order | Set intake staff → attorney reviewer → client signature sequence. |
| Authentication | Use email + SMS or KBA for higher‑risk matters. |
Choose a platform that supports common document formats, integrations, and authentication options required by legal workflows.
Integrations with practice management and cloud storage platforms reduce manual steps and preserve the signed application and audit trail in the client matter repository.
Retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later (8 CFR §274a.2).
Healthcare records and related consents retained 6 years from creation or last effective date (45 CFR §164.530(j)).
Keep tax‑relevant records at least 3 years from filing (IRC §6501(a)).
Reassess high‑risk engagements at least annually or when material facts change.
Address identified conflicts before opening the matter; document waivers promptly in the file.
| Criteria | Electronic Signature | Paper Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Validity | esign/ueta accepted | handwritten + notarization |
| Authentication | email/sms/kba options | id check in person |
| Audit Trail | detailed metadata and timestamps | manual logs only |
| Convenience | remote signing possible | requires physical presence |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A mid‑size firm used a standardized application at intake to capture client authority and beneficial ownership
A health law practice added HIPAA consent fields and a BAA checklist to the application
Include government ID scans, corporate formation documents, engagement letters, and fee exhibits for the matter file.
Export final package as PDF/A for archival, and as DOCX when edits are anticipated; preserve a signed, timestamped PDF for audit.
Store in cloud matter folder or on‑premises repository with access logs and versioning enabled.
Maintain a separate metadata file with signer identity, timestamps, and verification details.