Who this guide helps
Companies and founders arranging professional advice
The short answer
Identify the proposed client and scope explicitly. The company, its founders and related entities may have different interests; the person paying an invoice is not necessarily the person represented.
Practical workflow
List the legal entities and individuals involved, then ask counsel to conduct appropriate checks before detailed disclosure. Describe the issue and intended deliverable. Ask whether the engagement covers affiliates, directors personally, negotiation or litigation. Request billing contacts and the process for changing scope.
What a useful handoff looks like
The written proposal should make client identity, work boundaries, communication permissions and excluded issues understandable. Have each affected party ask whether independent advice is needed. Confirm responsibility for urgent dates rather than presuming that counsel monitors every matter.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not distribute company legal advice across a broad shareholder chat or assume one adviser represents everyone. Conflict and confidentiality rules require professional assessment.
Working example: fields to record
| Field | Illustrative entry — replace with your own facts |
|---|---|
| Proposed client | Exact entity name to confirm |
| Excluded issue | Individual shareholder advice |
| Scope change | Written approval process requested |
Add your own entries; the example is illustrative. Keep sensitive information private.
Sources & further checks
Official references are starting points for further checks, not approval of a specific case, product or project.
Editorial note
AI-assisted editorial guidance; not expert certification.
Original editorial guidance. Examples are illustrative, not client cases, measured outcomes or promised services.
Legal and health-related decisions require appropriately qualified local professionals. This site is an independent editorial resource, not a law firm or medical provider.