If you’ve ever called or met with our team at Lardiere, McNair &Stonebrook Ltd., LPA, you’ve probably noticed that our intake process involves a lot of questions. As the administrative assistant, I’m often the first person clients speak with, and I know it can sometimes feel like we’re digging deep.

There is a good reason for every single question we ask. In fact, those questions are one of the most important parts of making sure we can serve you well. Here’s why:

1. Every Case Is Unique

No two legal matters are the same. Whether your situation involves family law, estate planning, a business dispute, or another issue, the details make all the difference. During intake, we collect the facts that tell your story - who’s involved, what happened, and what outcome you’re hoping for.

Those details help our attorneys understand your situation clearly from the start, so we can tailor our approach to fit your goals and circumstances.

2. Details Help Us Identify Legal Issues Early

Sometimes the smallest fact can change how a case needs to be handled. That’s why we ask questions about dates, communications, contracts, or background information. We don’t mean to overwhelm you, but to spot key legal issues right away.

Getting that information early helps prevent delays or missed deadlines later and allows our attorneys to get moving faster on your behalf.

3. It Keeps Your Case Moving Efficiently

By gathering all the necessary information up front, we minimize back-and-forth requests and follow-up questions later. When clients provide thorough answers early on, the entire process becomes smoother and faster. It’s one of the easiest ways to help your case move forward efficiently.

4. It Builds Trust and Clear Communication

Our intake isn’t just about facts - it’s also about getting to know you. Through our questions, we learn about your goals, your concerns, and how you prefer to communicate. That helps us build a foundation of trust and understanding that lasts throughout your case.

We know that sharing personal or detailed information can feel uncomfortable, but everything you tell us is kept strictly confidential and used only to help your attorney serve you better.

A Few Tips for a Smooth Intake Experience

If you’re preparing for your first meeting or call, here are a few ways to make the process easier:

• Be honest and open. Even if you’re unsure whether something matters, include it.
• Gather relevant documents. Contracts, emails, or court papers. Anything that helps tell your story.
• Ask questions. We’ll always explain why we need something or how it will be used.
• Respond promptly. If we reach out for clarification, quick replies help us move things along.

At Lardiere, McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA, our intake process is more than a formality. It is the foundation of effective legal representation.

If you’re ready to get started or have questions about our intake process, give our office a call today at 614-534-1355. We’re always happy to help.

Elise English is an Administrative Assistant at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA.

Disclaimers: Artificial intelligence is used as a tool to supplement, enhance, make suggestions, and generate blog language from the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of our human lawyers. The final product is reviewed and edited by an attorney.

The information presented here has been prepared by Lardiere McNair for promotional and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. This information is not intended to provide, and receipt of it does not constitute legal advice. Nor does the receipt of this material create an attorney/client relationship. An attorney client relationship is not established until such time as Lardiere McNair enters into a written engagement agreement with a specific client for a specific legal matter.