Client Intake

The Complete Guide to Law Firm Client Intake

Best practices for legal client intake and onboarding. Everything you need to know, from fundamentals to advanced strategies.

8 articles
94 min total read
Updated regularly
42%

of law firms take 3+ days to respond to leads

Speed is critical

74%

of clients expect e-signatures on retainers

Modern expectations

5 min

response window for 300% higher conversion

The golden window

Updated Jan 9, 2026
8 articles
94 min total
The Complete Guide18 min read7 chapters

The Complete Guide to Law Firm Client Intake (2026)

Everything you need to know about client intake for law firms. From first contact to signed retainer, learn how to convert more leads, reduce drop-off, and build intake systems that scale.

Start reading

Deep-dive articles

Explore each topic in detail

7 articles
How to Automate Your Client Intake Workflow in 2026
Chapter 01

How to Automate Your Client Intake Workflow in 2026

Step-by-step guide to automating your law firm's intake process with modern tools and integrations.

6 min read
Read
What Is a Retainer Agreement and How Can It Secure Your Firm’s Cash Flow?
Chapter 02

What Is a Retainer Agreement and How Can It Secure Your Firm’s Cash Flow?

Tired of chasing down payments or seeing promising leads go cold while you wait for paperwork? A solid retainer agreement is the answer, turning an in...

17 min read
Read
Law Firm Intake Forms by Practice Area: Templates and Best Practices
Chapter 03

Law Firm Intake Forms by Practice Area: Templates and Best Practices

What to include in your intake forms for personal injury, family law, criminal defense, and more. Practice-specific templates and customization strategies.

11 min read
Read
What Is a Client Intake Form? A Small Firm's Guide to Faster Conversions
Chapter 04

What Is a Client Intake Form? A Small Firm's Guide to Faster Conversions

Losing a potential client because you were too slow to respond is a gut punch to any small law firm. A what is a client intake form is your first line...

12 min read
Read
E-Signatures for Law Firms: Legal Requirements and Best Practices
Chapter 05

E-Signatures for Law Firms: Legal Requirements and Best Practices

Electronic signatures are legally binding for retainer agreements in all 50 states. Learn the compliance requirements, best practices, and how to implement e-signatures in your intake process.

9 min read
Read
The High-Converting Legal Client Intake Form
Chapter 06

The High-Converting Legal Client Intake Form

Losing a potential client to phone tag is more than frustrating—it's a direct hit to your firm's revenue. A clunky, slow intake process gives good lea...

14 min read
Read
Speed to Lead: Why Law Firms That Respond in 5 Minutes Win More Clients
Chapter 07

Speed to Lead: Why Law Firms That Respond in 5 Minutes Win More Clients

Research shows responding to leads within 5 minutes increases conversion by 300%. Learn how top law firms achieve rapid response times and why every minute costs you clients.

7 min read
Read

Put these insights into action

intake.link brings e-signatures, payments, and intake forms together in one seamless flow. Convert more leads with less friction.

Start for free