6. The First Client Meeting and Initial Considerations

Legal representatives who are new to practice are expected initially to assist in clients’ cases and ultimately to handle their own files. In every new matter for every client, their professional conduct duties, particularly client care issues, should be at the forefront of their mind as a legal representative before proceeding to undertake any work for the client. This chapter focuses on professional conduct issues; client care; money laundering requirements; the first meeting with the client; and initial investigations. The chapter includes details of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and a range of applicable examples.