The operational decision
Explain that the assistant handles an initial inquiry before asking the caller to continue. A first conversation should give the firm a usable inquiry without inviting a full account of a dispute. The assistant follows an approved business-intake script; an attorney decides what happens to the inquiry.
Prepare the workflow
Identify the firm, the automated assistant and the next intake step; avoid describing the conversation as a consultation with an attorney.
Example wording for approval
“Hello, this is the example firm's AI intake assistant. I can take a brief consultation request for staff review. Please keep detailed matter information for the firm's approved process.”
Worked example
Compare a fictional greeting saying Welcome to your legal consultation with one saying I can take a brief request for staff review. The first suggests professional advice is already underway. Use the second and ask a new listener what will happen after the call. If they expect representation or an attorney response at a particular time, revise the opening and closing together. The assistant's name and friendly tone should not obscure the limited business-intake purpose.
Handoff record
Record these task-specific fields: greeting version, permitted purpose, next queue, approving attorney.
Acceptance check
Listen without seeing the website. The reviewer should understand that no attorney is giving advice or accepting the matter on this call.
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