What areas of law do BHGR attorneys focus on?
BHGR attorneys focus on the following areas of law:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Appeals
- Cannabis Law
- Construction Law
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Data Privacy Law
- Employment Law
- Insurance Coverage
- Intellectual Property
- Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Public Entity
- Real Estate
- Trusts, Estates, Probate, and Tax
- Water and Conservation
To learn more about BHGR legal practices, visit our practice areas page.
Conflict Checks
What is a conflict check?
A conflict check is a standard review conducted by a law firm before we can formally take on a new matter. It ensures that representing a new client would not interfere with our obligations to existing or former clients.
What is a conflict?
A conflict of interest occurs when a prior or existing relationship with another firm, client, party, or matter could compromise our ability to represent a new client fully and impartially. For example, if BHGR has previously represented a party on the opposing side of your matter, that may constitute a conflict.
Why are 24 – 48 hours needed to complete a conflict check?
Conflict checks require a thorough review of our client and matter history to ensure no overlap exists. Depending on the complexity of the matter and the number of parties involved, this process can take time and is a necessary step in protecting a potential new client and the firm.
“Urgent” Matters
Some matters are subject to contractually imposed deadlines that cannot be extended. If your matter involves a known deadline, it is critical that you include that date in your matter description.
Our team will review your intake as promptly as possible, however please be aware that our ability to accommodate your timeline is subject to attorney availability and the outcome of our conflict check process.
To learn more about engaging an attorney to support you during a contract-dense transactional matter, check out this BHGR Toolbox Article.
Certain matters, particularly those involving criminal law, may require a faster response. If your matter is urgent and related to a criminal issue, please check the box indicating as such so our intake team is triggered to move through the criminal matter intake process.
Confidentiality
Information shared with the firm during the intake process is kept strictly confidential. Our team handles all intake information with discretion and will not share it outside the firm. No part of the intake process qualifies the potential client for attorney-client privilege.
What is attorney-client privilege?
Attorney-client privilege is a legal protection that formally establishes the confidential nature of communication between a client and their attorney.
When is attorney-client privilege initiated?
This privilege is initiated once an attorney-client relationship has been formally established by the signing of an engagement letter by both the potential client and the representing attorney.
You’ve initiated an intake, now what?
We understand that legal matters oftentimes feel urgent or like they can’t wait. We appreciate you moving through our intake process as outlined, and your patience as our intake team works through the necessary requirements to ensure our commitment to quality service and support on your matter is met.
No part of our intake process is automated. Once this form is completed, someone from our intake team will contact you by email or phone to collect any additional information needed for the conflict check and possible attorney assignment.
There are several possible outcomes for a new client/matter intake.
- Attorney assignment: If your matter clears conflicts and is assigned to an attorney, our intake team will connect you with the attorney and their legal assistant to initiate formal engagement.
- Declination without referral: If, for whatever reason, your matter cannot move to the next step, our intake team will issue a formal declination notification via email.
- Declination with referral: If, for whatever reason, your matter cannot move to the next step, our intake team will issue a formal declination notification via email. When possible, we offer referrals to other firms or attorneys who might be able to support your matter. It is your responsibility to engage these firms.
The intake process officially starts when the potential client receives confirmation and a request for additional information. Assuming timely communication from the potential client, the intake process can take at least 1 to 3 days to complete.