BAIT · Updated · 2 min
A useful first enquiry explains the situation and the result you want. You do not need to identify the correct legal provision or choose a procedural strategy yourself.
Put events in order
Write down the main events in chronological order: what was agreed, what happened and when you learned about the problem. Distinguish dates you know from dates that still need checking. If you have received a letter, record when and how it arrived. Mention any deadline stated in it; an enquiry does not stop a deadline from running.
Describe the result you need
Tell us what would resolve the situation for you. This may be payment, performance of an agreement, clarification of responsibility or an assessment of available options. The desired outcome helps define the scope of the initial conversation, but does not determine in advance which legal route will be appropriate.
Keep documents for the next step
Preserve original agreements, letters and correspondence. For your own use, prepare a list of documents and note what each one relates to. Do not send confidential attachments in the first contact form. We will confirm a suitable channel after checking whether the firm can act.
Conflict check before accepting the matter
The first step is to determine whether there is a conflict of interest. Submitting an enquiry does not establish an engagement or mean that a lawyer is already acting on your behalf. We confirm the next steps and terms of cooperation separately.
This is organisational guidance, not an assessment of a specific matter. The legal position depends on the individual facts and documents.