Greet and seat client Before we move on, I need you to know that what we say here is confidential

unless you give the permission to do so dont worry, there is no need to hide anything. We will try to help you in every way we can. Verify Identity (name, address, telephone number, area of law involved, opponent) I am going to ask you a few questions to get some information about the background Cost of initial interview, inform client that they are regulated by solicitor guide/ethical and professional considerations etc. (duty of confidentialitywill not disclose unless you give the permission to do so) This initial consultation is free of charge. Any work then on will be billed based on the hours we work on your case at the rate of $__ per hour Eligibility for Legal Aid Explain to client other person(s) involve in the case Area of practice and contact details Open question (listen to clients caseeg. Can you tell me what your problem is/what brings you here/what can we help you with), close question/bridging questions (who else was there etc) Try to understand what solution the client hope to find Summaries the clients problem (correct me if im wrong) (at this stage this is all that we need to know and should we more specific details we will be sure to contact you) Options availableapprox. cost, uncertainties should be made explicit (caution client: no guaranteesbase on the information there seems to be a casebut we should not rule out the possibility that the court finds in the alternative in which you may have to bear the costin either case we will write to defendant to warn him and hopefully we can settle this without bringing it to court) advise client of the possibility of an adverse costs order if the party fails to engage in mediation. Arrange next/follow up meeting (We now know the general directon of your case and we are clear on the solution you wish to achieve. So next our office will spend some time to set out the legal aspects and write to the defendant to have this matter settled. At the same time we will make preparation for trial should the defendant refuses. I like to remind you not to discuss the case with anyone until the case is concluded) Further concerns and questions (Is there anything else I can help you with today?) is there anything else relevant you could tell me? See client off (Yes, I seego onIm sorry to hear thatyes I can understand why you would feel like that) I may take some notes while you talk, please dont worry If your financial resources are assessed to be between HK$20,001 and HK$260,000, you are required to pay a sum by way of contribution. The amount of contribution ranges from HK$1,000 to HK$65,000 depending on your financial resources
Financial Resources (HK$) 0-20,000 20,001-40,000 40,001-60,000 60,001-80,000 80,001-100,000 100,001-120,000 120,001-144,000 144,001-260,000 Contribution Rates 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Contributions (HK$) 1,000 2,000 3,000-4,000 8,000-10,000 15,000-18,000 24,000-28,800 36,000-65,000