We take a photograph of every prospective client when they arrive for their initial consultation. The greeter walks the client back to the room where they will have their meeting and asks for the client’s permission to take their picture. They explain that the photograph is for identification in the event that someone comes to the office seeking a copy of the client’s file. Nearly always, the client is happy to oblige and poses for the photo.

The other reason that we take the photo is never explained to the client. The photo is used in the event that the attorney conducting the initial consultation can’t remember the prospective client at some later date. The photo is used to trigger their memory.

Of course, the attorney conducting the consult takes notes and records them to the client’s file. But, not surprisingly, the notes from one domestic intake meeting look a lot like the notes from another domestic intake meeting. It’s really tough to scan the notes and remember the details regarding the client.

The photo, on the other hand, makes a huge difference in remembering the details of the client’s situation for many attorneys. One look at the photo and it all comes flooding back.

In many instances, the prospective client comes in for a consultation but doesn’t make a decision to move forward for many months or, in some cases, years. When the client calls back, ready to move forward after a long delay, they invariably ask if you remember them. We pull up their record on the computer, glance at the photo and are able to honestly say that we do. It makes a difference to the client and it will make a difference for you.