Explain the decision and the stage reached
Begin with a short description of what needs to be decided or done, the state or territory involved and any formal process already underway. Give every date shown on a notice, order or agreement. You do not need to diagnose the legal issue yourself. Ask whether the firm handles this type and stage of work and what it must know before checking conflicts or availability.
Ask who will do the work
Find out who would have overall responsibility, who would complete routine tasks and who would attend a conference, mediation or hearing. Ask about relevant experience without requesting promises about an outcome. If a barrister, expert, accountant, valuer or another specialist may be involved, clarify who selects and instructs that person and how their work will be coordinated.
Define the first scope and its limits
Ask what the proposed first stage will produce: oral advice, a written assessment, a reviewed draft, correspondence or representation are different deliverables. Confirm exclusions and assumptions, what you must do, which documents are needed and how urgent work will be handled. A consultation or enquiry does not itself mean that the firm has accepted instructions.
Finish with costs, communication and the next action
Ask how legal fees, GST, disbursements and other specialists will be estimated or charged, and how approval for extra work will be obtained. Agree the secure channel for documents, the normal update process and the next action by each person. Request the engagement and costs information in writing and raise anything that differs from the conversation before authorising work.