A brief built around the question

We can consider documentary and open-source research, tracing, due diligence, and proportionate fieldwork where the proposed instruction falls within our capabilities. Tell us what needs to be established and how you intend to use the findings.

The first conversation establishes feasibility and the next steps. Please send only a general outline through the public form; party details and documents follow through the channel agreed with you.

Download the instruction checklist · PDF

Reporting you can examine

Agree the required format, evidence schedule, and deadline at the start. Findings should distinguish direct observation, reported information, inference, and uncertainty.

Our fictional sample reports illustrate that distinction, including a witness-tracing enquiry for a solicitor. Witness statements, attendance at a hearing, and specialist expert work require separate assessment and agreement.

From initial discussion to written instruction

  1. Check conflicts and authority

    Before accepting the matter, establish the parties and connected interests, who is instructing, and authority to share the proposed material. A general enquiry does not mean an instruction has been accepted.

  2. Agree scope, cost, and handling

    Record the question, methods, exclusions, budget, expenses, reporting timetable, and contact arrangements. Specify restrictions on disclosure and delivery. Changes to the brief or budget need approval.

  3. Report findings and limitations

    Connect findings to their sources and explain gaps or conflicting accounts. Agree whether statements or further enquiries are needed. Keep responsibility for legal advice and litigation decisions with the instructing solicitor.

Privilege, disclosure, and evidence

Confidentiality and legal professional privilege are different. A solicitor's involvement, a document label, or payment through a law firm does not by itself establish privilege. Please give appropriate handling directions and advise on privilege and disclosure for the matter.

A report is not automatically expert evidence or guaranteed to be admissible. In civil proceedings in England and Wales, the court controls the evidence it receives under Civil Procedure Rule 32.1. Other jurisdictions and proceedings have their own requirements. The SRA's confidentiality guidance explains relevant obligations for the solicitors it regulates.

We discuss availability against your deadline; the enquiry form is not an emergency response service. See fees and engagement for how work is quoted.

Prepare your instruction

The checklist below is also available as a printable PDF. Keep completed copies with your matter and use the agreed channel to share them.

Download checklist PDF · 2 pages
Instruction checklist
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Solicitor instruction checklist

Use this to prepare a briefing, after an initial discussion. Agree a suitable channel before sending party details, evidence, or privileged material. This checklist is not an engagement letter or legal advice.

Initial scoping

  • Your firm, the responsible solicitor, and safe contact arrangements.
  • The question to establish, relevant jurisdiction, and type of matter.
  • The deadline, any hearing date, and known urgency or preservation risk.

Conflicts and authority

  • Party and connected-entity details through the agreed channel for conflicts checks.
  • Who instructs, who approves changes, who receives the report, and who pays.
  • Authority to provide each category of material, and any restrictions on its use.

Evidence and scope

  • Material already held, its origin, and whether originals are available.
  • Questions that remain open, competing accounts, and known limitations.
  • Permitted methods, excluded work, safety concerns, and contact restrictions.

Notes for the agreed briefing

Harwick Intelligence · 17 September 2026 · Share completed copies only through the agreed channel.

Instruction checklist
2 / 2

Solicitor instruction checklist

Use this to prepare a briefing, after an initial discussion. Agree a suitable channel before sending party details, evidence, or privileged material. This checklist is not an engagement letter or legal advice.

Reporting and handling

  • Intended use, requested report format, exhibits, and any statement requirements.
  • Your directions on confidentiality, privilege, disclosure, retention, and delivery.
  • Any proposed witness attendance or specialist work, subject to separate agreement.

Before work starts

  • Written scope, fees, expenses, spending limit, and reporting timetable agreed.
  • Named points of contact and approval route for changes.
  • Feasibility, conflicts, and acceptance confirmed; no outcome or admissibility guaranteed.

Notes for the agreed briefing

Harwick Intelligence · 17 September 2026 · Share completed copies only through the agreed channel.