Legal Inquiry Form

Legal Inquiry Form

This Legal Inquiry Form is made effective as of by and between Client Name: ("Client") and Law Firm Name: ("Firm").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks preliminary legal advice and a preliminary assessment regarding the matter described below; and

WHEREAS, Firm is willing to receive information from Client for the limited purpose of conducting a conflict check and providing a preliminary evaluation of potential legal claims, defenses, and strategy; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the exchange of information under this form be governed by the terms and conditions set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

In this Form, the following terms have the meanings set forth below: "Confidential Information" means all non-public facts, documents, communications and other materials provided by Client to Firm in connection with the inquiry; "Preliminary Assessment" means the initial legal analysis provided by Firm based solely on information received and without formal engagement.

2. SCOPE OF INQUIRY

Firm will review documents and information provided by Client for the limited purposes of (a) conducting a conflicts check, and (b) preparing a Preliminary Assessment of potential legal issues. The Preliminary Assessment does not constitute the formation of an attorney-client relationship or ongoing representation. Any legal services beyond the Preliminary Assessment will require a separate written engagement agreement.

3. CLIENT INFORMATION

4. CONFIDENTIALITY; LIMITATIONS

Firm will treat as Confidential Information all non-public information disclosed by Client in connection with this inquiry, subject to the following limitations: (a) Firm may disclose information to persons within the Firm on a need-to-know basis to evaluate the matter; (b) nothing in this Form creates or expands any existing duty of confidentiality beyond that provided by applicable law; and (c) Firm's obligations do not apply to information that is or becomes publicly available other than by Firm's breach, or that Firm is required to disclose by law or court order.

Client acknowledges that submission of information does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship. No privilege will be established until and unless a formal engagement agreement is executed by both parties. Client should not disclose information that Client wishes to keep privileged unless Client intends to retain the Firm.

5. CONFLICT CHECK AUTHORIZATION

Client authorizes Firm to perform a conflicts check, which may include the transmission of Client's name, affiliated parties, and a brief matter description to internal databases and selected third-party conflict-check providers. Client grants Firm permission to retain copies of documents submitted for the purpose of conflicts clearance.

I consent to Firm conducting a conflicts check as described above.

6. FEES, COSTS, AND RETAINER

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Client acknowledges that the Preliminary Assessment will be provided on a (select one) basis and that subsequent work will be subject to a separate engagement letter setting forth fees and retainer terms.

Fee arrangement for Preliminary Assessment: No charge Flat fee Hourly fee

7. AUTHORIZATIONS

Client authorizes Firm to take customary steps to evaluate the matter, including requesting records from third parties, communicating with witnesses, and obtaining public records. Client further authorizes Firm to communicate with Client's prior counsel for the purpose of obtaining factual background and documents, subject to Client's instructions below.

8. RECORDS AND RETENTION

Client understands that Firm may retain copies of documents provided during the inquiry for conflict clearance and internal recordkeeping. Retention of original documents will be governed by applicable law and Firm's document retention policies. Client may request return or destruction of originals if no retention obligation exists.

9. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Form shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below by personal delivery, recognized overnight courier, or certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall be effective upon receipt.

10. AMENDMENT; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This Form may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right under this Form will operate as a waiver of that right. This Form may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

11. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Form will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state identified by Client's address. This Form constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, written or oral, relating thereto. If any provision of this Form is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Form will remain in full force and effect.

12. CERTIFICATION

By signing below, Client certifies that the information provided herein is true and accurate to the best of Client's knowledge, and Client understands the limitations described above regarding confidentiality and the absence of an attorney-client relationship absent a separate engagement agreement.

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