# Write instructions to outside counsel for a new matter

Creates a clear engagement brief covering the question, facts, deliverables, budget, and communication rules so the firm starts efficiently.

- Topic: Email & Workplace Communication
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Legal, Write, Analyze, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-instructions-to-outside-counsel-for-a-new-matter

## Prompt

```text
Write an instruction letter (engagement brief) to outside counsel for a new matter.

**Firm and lead lawyer:** [NAMES]
**Matter type:** [e.g. "advice on employment termination in Germany", "defense of a contract claim", "regulatory filing"]
**Background facts:** [SHORT, factual]
**The specific question(s) or task:** [what we need answered or done]
**What we already know or have done:** [prior advice, internal analysis]
**Deliverable and format:** [e.g. "5-page memo with a clear recommendation", "call plus email summary", "first draft of a pleading"]
**Deadline and key dates:** [DATES]
**Budget or fee arrangement:** [cap, estimate, fixed fee, rates]
**Documents provided:** [LIST]
**Business context and risk appetite:** [what matters to the business]

The letter should:
- State the question precisely and what is out of scope
- Ask for an estimate and staffing plan before substantial work begins, and notice if the budget will be exceeded
- Reference our billing guidelines and invoicing requirements
- Set communication rules: who instructs, who to copy, update frequency, and that advice should lead with the bottom line
- Ask for a conflicts confirmation
- Note privilege and confidentiality handling and preservation duties if a dispute is anticipated
- Be concise and well organized, with headings

Return the letter, then a short checklist of what to attach. Use [CONFIRM] for any fact I have not provided. A qualified lawyer must review the instructions before they are sent.
```

## What to fill in

- NAMES
- SHORT, factual
- what we need answered or done
- prior advice, internal analysis
- DATES
- cap, estimate, fixed fee, rates
- LIST
- what matters to the business
- CONFIRM

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