Welcome to the world of legal funding! If you’re new to this field, don’t worry – we’re here to help you understand the intake process step by step. This guide will walk you through how to gather information from plaintiffs (people seeking funding) and set them up for success.

Why is the Intake Process Important?

Think of the intake process as the foundation of a house. If it’s solid, everything else stands strong. In legal funding, a good intake process helps you:

1. Collect the right information from the start
2. Make sure the case fits your funding criteria
3. Set clear expectations for the plaintiff
4. Prepare a strong case for your underwriting team (the folks who decide on funding)

Let’s break down this process into easy-to-follow steps!

1. The Friendly Phone Call Guide

When you’re talking to a plaintiff on the phone, think of it as a friendly conversation. Here’s a simple structure to follow:

Say Hello and Explain (2-3 minutes)

• Introduce yourself with a smile (they can hear it!)
• Explain what your company does in simple terms
  • For example: “We help people who are waiting for their lawsuit to settle by providing funding in advance.”
• Ask if they have a few minutes to chat

Gather Basic Info (3-5 minutes)

• Get their full name, birthday, and contact details
• Ask if they’ve received funding before for this case
• Pro tip: Use a warm, caring tone. Remember, they might be going through a tough time.

Learn About Their Case (5-10 minutes)

• Ask about their case type (car accident, workplace injury, etc.)
• Get the date when the incident happened
• Learn about their injuries and treatments
• Get their lawyer’s contact information
• Friendly reminder: Listen actively and show empathy

Wrap Up Nicely (2-3 minutes)

• Let them know what happens next
• Tell them when they can expect to hear from you
• Make sure they know how to reach you if they have questions

2. Your Handy Intake Checklist

Here’s a simple checklist to help you remember everything you need to ask. Feel free to customize it for your needs!

Plaintiff Info:

• Full name
• Birthday
• Where they live (state is usually enough)
• Phone number (make sure it can receive texts!)
• Email address

Case Details:

• What type of case is it?
• When did the incident happen?
• What injuries or hardships did they experience?
• What treatments have they had?
• Have they had any surgeries or major procedures?
• Have they received funding before? If yes, how much and when?

Lawyer Info:

• Lawyer’s name
• Law firm name
• Does the lawyer know they’re applying for funding?
• Is there a paralegal or assistant they usually talk to?

Educating the Plaintiff:

• Explain how funding works in simple terms
• Mention that funding can be expensive and might affect their settlement
• Ask them to let their lawyer know about the funding application

Setting Expectations:

• Explain that you can’t guarantee a specific funding amount yet
• Let them know it might take 1-2 days before you contact them again
• Tell them the best ways to reach you (email, text, phone)

Helpful Tips for New Team Members

1. Be Patient: Many plaintiffs are going through tough times. A little kindness goes a long way.
2. Stay Organized: Use a notepad or digital form to keep track of information during the call.
3. Speak Clearly: Avoid legal jargon. Explain things as if you’re talking to a friend.
4. Listen Carefully: Sometimes, important details come up in casual conversation.
5. Ask for Clarification: If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to ask the plaintiff to explain further.
6. Stay Positive: Even if a case doesn’t seem promising, remain professional and courteous.

New Tools to Make Your Job Easier

As you get more comfortable with the process, you might start using some helpful tools:

1. Online Forms: Some companies use web forms for plaintiffs to start the application process.
2. Secure File Sharing: This allows plaintiffs and lawyers to send documents safely online.
3. Automatic Reminders: Systems that send text or email updates to plaintiffs about their application status.
4. Video Calls: For times when a face-to-face conversation would be helpful.

The Final Step: Preparing the Case for Underwriting

After you’ve gathered all the necessary information and set proper expectations with the plaintiff, there’s one crucial step left: preparing the case file for the underwriting team. This step is like putting together a neat package of all the important details you’ve collected. Here’s how to do it

Internal Hand-Off: Preparing the Case File

1. Organize Your Notes: Gather all the information you’ve collected during the intake process. Make sure it’s clear and easy to read.
2. Double-Check for Completeness: Go through your checklist one last time. Have you got all the required information?
3. Summarize Key Points: Write a brief summary of the case, highlighting any important details or potential concerns.
4. Attach Relevant Documents: If the plaintiff or their attorney provided any documents, make sure they’re included and properly labeled.
5. Use Your Company’s System: Every company has its own way of submitting cases to underwriting. This might be through a digital system, a specific form, or an email template. Make sure you’re familiar with your company’s preferred method.
6. Submit the Case: Once you’re confident that you have a complete and well-organized case file, submit it to the underwriting team following your company’s procedures.

Remember, the underwriting team relies on the information you provide to make their funding decisions. By preparing a thorough and organized case file, you’re setting up both the underwriters and the plaintiff for success!