Put the right matters in front of the right team.
Make initial qualification consistent, with the facts behind each screening outcome available for legal review.
Define what a suitable matter looks like.
Agree criteria for practice area, jurisdiction, client type and fee arrangements where relevant. Define which facts can establish an initial fit and which questions require a lawyer.
Keep the reasoning visible.
A screening label should come with the information that supports it. Record what the prospective client said, which criteria were addressed and where answers are missing or uncertain.
Give the matter an owner.
Map each matter type to the relevant practice team or intake owner. Scope notifications, tasks and live handover around your team’s availability, with a fallback when the intended person cannot take over.
Preserve legal judgment.
Initial screening supports your team’s decision. Your lawyers assess the merits and decide whether to act. Questions involving legal deadlines, conflicts or unusual circumstances follow the review process agreed with your firm.