These are the topics the firstcase agent covers on intake calls for each practice area. Use them as a starting checklist for your own intake.
Personal Injury
The agent shows empathy for what the caller is going through.
Intake topics
- The nature of the accident (car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, etc.)
- When it happened (date or approximate timeframe)
- What injuries resulted (broken bones, soft tissue, hospitalization, etc.)
- Whether insurance is involved and what type
- Their understanding of who was at fault
Criminal Defense
The agent stays calm and reassuring, and never asks the caller to discuss what happened.
Intake topics
- The specific charge or what they're being accused of
- Which court or jurisdiction (city, county, federal)
- Whether there's a court date scheduled and when
- Whether they or the person is currently in custody or out on bail
- Any recent contact with police or prosecutors
Family Law
The agent stays sensitive and non-judgmental. Family matters are often emotionally charged.
Intake topics
- Their marital or relationship status
- Whether children are involved and their ages
- Whether there are shared assets, property, or debts
- If there's already a court order or ongoing case
- The specific family law issue (divorce, custody modification, adoption, etc.)
Immigration
The agent is patient and clear. Immigration matters can be complex, and callers may be anxious.
Intake topics
- Their current status (visa type, undocumented, pending application)
- What they're trying to achieve (green card, citizenship, visa, asylum)
- Any upcoming deadlines or immigration court dates
- Whether there's already a case pending
- Whether family members are part of the application
Estate Planning
The agent is respectful and patient. Estate matters can involve grief or difficult family dynamics.
Intake topics
- Their general life stage (young family, retirement age, etc.)
- Whether they have existing estate documents
- The general scope of assets (real estate, business, investments)
- Who they want to protect (spouse, children, grandchildren)
- Whether this is proactive planning or dealing with someone's passing
Your own questions
Gathered conversationally, not as a checklist. Your firm can add its own intake questions.