What pre-interview client checks should we make?

We offer initial fixed-fee interviews by appointment and can sometimes see people on a walk-in basis. Do we need to make any checks before the interview takes place?

Before the initial interview, you should obtain sufficient information to enable you to carry out a conflict check and to cancel the meeting if there’s a conflict of interest.

You should gather the following information from the potential client:

• name, address and telephone number
• field of law involved (for example matrimonial or crime)
• name of the opponent or others involved in the matter if applicable

You must also check and verify the identity of your client in order to comply with paragraph 8.1 of the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs 2019.

Where you’re carrying out work that falls within the regulated sector, you must also verify the identity of various parties under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.

You may therefore want to ask clients to bring evidence of their identity with them to the initial interview to reduce delays in proceeding with the retainer.

For further information, see our practice note on client information requirements.