Only once you have resolved the matter legally do you send a letter of closure. All clients must know and be sure that the matter has been finalized. In the absence of a proper letter that embodies the conclusion of the case, the attorney-client relationships can be vague, and there is a possibility of malpractice. Further, not sending such a letter at the end of the case results in losing the chance to build a good professional rapport with those clients who may seek to hire a lawyer in the future.
If your office does not send closing letters to its clients from attorneys, then the time has come when you must start doing so. It includes all aspects relating to law firm closing letters being sent to clients. The reason they should be there is how these are to be drafted. It elaborates on the best practices, outlining them stepwise so that both the clients and the attorneys will be fully informed and satisfied in this process.
What is a Termination of Representation Letter?
A letter of termination is an official lawyer letter of representation that one lawyer writes to their client to indicate that they will no longer represent the client concerning a particular affair. This letter is an important part of the relationship between the attorney and the client to eliminate confusion regarding the end of this case and sending the end of the representation letter.
The Importance of Writing a Closing Letter to Clients
A closing letter is not merely a letter that informs the clients that they are finished with their case. Every closing letter gives you several advantages that may be beneficial to your practice and useful when addressing other ethical complaints in the future.
Case-specific and status
When discussing a particular case or a legal issue, make it clear which case you are talking about. Maybe there are several cases related to several issues or if, in the future, you work for the client in other cases. Also, in the body of the legal representation letter, write the case number, and summarize the case. Moreover, it will be observed that the matter is also closed or concluded.
Status of any client documents
Inform the client if you will be holding case documents and files and for how long you will be holding them. For instance, if you want to retain case files for some years in your jurisdiction, as expected by your Document Retention Policy, if originals are being returned to the client with the letter, say so in the letter and state what is enclosed.
The Date
Date the letter. Specifically, it means including when the case was closed. Lawyer letter of representation.
Next Steps
If there are any things the client has to do or is to follow up, then they should be enumerated in this section. This could include a note as to the last bill for the matter or an acknowledgment of receipt of the last statement sent.
A Feedback Request
Speaking of clients, always remember that feedback is a critical component in client relations and your law firm. This could be as basic as placing an envelope containing a feedback questionnaire.
Best Practice: Writing a closing letter
Developing a good closing letter is more than just expressing a thank you and a goodbye to the client. It should hold valuable information to facilitate the decision-making. process such that the client feels like they are in control, not like they are wandering in the bushes searching for direction.
Must be sent without delay once representation concludes
We advise you to send your closing letter almost immediately after the end of representation. If you are withdrawing from the case mid-proceedings, your client may be at risk of losing timely representation or being compelled to answer the other side in a short period. When the closing letter is unduly delayed, it can create unnecessary confusion and frustration among clients. Such situations may even trigger ethical complaints against the lawyer.
Tell your client what happened in the case
While you are not required to describe every detail of how the client’s case has been developed from the filing stage to the final determination, your letter must specify to the client where the case stands and that you have done what to reach that stage. If there is already a judgment or settlement, explain what you managed to obtain for your client.
Include copies of case-related documents
If you have any documents that your client gave you and you no longer need them, forwarding them with your closing letter is logical. It will therefore be necessary that any forms that your client needs to sign should also be enclosed with the closing letter.
Discuss what your clients next to that
Their basic needs are well-informed advice, warranty, and relevance to their particular cases. They appreciate a personal representative who, first, is a good listener and a rational speaker who gives operational advice. Customers want to be kept informed about what they can expect and are grateful for reports that are made on time. Honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and the idea that their own law firm is a partner with them were listed as requirements. Clients also often require additional education, such as combined degrees with other majors or the background that comes with being a JD accelerant. Finally, the clients look for a competent lawyer who has the soft heart to handle their issues.
Writing an End of Representation Letter: A Guide for Attorneys
The secret to writing an effective attorney-client end-of-representation letter is to focus on the key goals:
- Given the Information to the client that the case is over
- Wrap up any loose ends
- Make a positive and professional closing to the case
Example of the closing letter
Need an example? The following letter is an example of a strategy you can use when drafting a case-closing letter for a client.
Note: This is a sample closing letter that is available for use strictly. You can follow it as a guide, but it is very important that each word that you are going to send to your firm and then your clients be tailor-made.
Date:
Re: Termination of Representation, Case/File #[Case Number]
Dear [Client’s Name],
Subject: Successful Conclusion of Legal Matter
It was a pleasure to offer representation in connection with your [describe matter]. This is to inform you that this case has reached its conclusion as of this letter.
Accompanied are the rest of the documents about your case that were in my law office’s possession, such as [specify documents, if appropriate]. If you feel there are other materials still in the possession of our firm that you wish to claim, please contact me by [date]. If not, I assume you have received all the documents that you need by now. While we shall be closing this file, we will maintain a copy of it for not less than [specify period].
I hope my relationship with your firm has been pleasant enough for you to consider us at [law firm name] for your legal needs in the future. [To this end, I would be thankful if you could send in the completed feedback questionnaire enclosed.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Law firm name]
Conclusion
Closing letters to clients is an integral part of legal practice. These letters ensure the professionalism and efficiency of the communication of important messages when the case or matter is concluded. The closing letter is a business letter that signals the client that their matter is now closed, offers helpful case documents or other information to the clients, and welcomes the clients back if they need help in the future. Practicing sending these letters systematically can help in building up good relationships between the attorney and the clients, besides avoiding miscommunication and compromising the professional relationship in and out of court. Closing a letter is not only about ensuring the client that the attorney cares about him/her but also about creating a positive basis for further communication between them.