The attorney-client relationship is one of the most crucial bonds formed during a case. An attorney must keep a client reasonably informed with respect to significant developments relating to a case. At the outset, it is often a paralegal who serves as the liaison between a client and supervising attorney. It is a paralegal who fosters the attorney-client relationship throughout the case. The ability to communicate information timely and effectively to a client is an essential paralegal skill. Below are a few examples of instances in which a paralegal may be instrumental throughout the phases of a case.

• Introduction: Once a client is signed by the law firm, schedule a conference either via telephone or in-person. This initial meeting will serve not only as an opportunity to disclose your role, but also to gather any missing factual data from the intake stage, i.e., photographs, names of witnesses, etc. Determine a client’s preferred method of communication and his or her schedule. Identify the members of the legal team assigned to work on the matter. This disclosure will serve to avoid client confusion when contacted by other staff members or attorneys within the office. Exchange contact information, document the file and distribute this information to the supervising attorney and legal team. Send confirming correspondence to the client following the conference and update this data, as necessary.

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