# Client update letter

> Tell a client where the matter is, what it costs and what happens next.

- Skill: `vstorm-co/client-update-letter` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add vstorm-co/client-update-letter`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/vstorm-co/client-update-letter/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: vstorm-co (https://skillmd.com/u/vstorm-co)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/vstorm-co/client-update-letter

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# Writing a client update

Most complaints about lawyers are about communication, not outcomes. This is the
cheapest thing a firm can do well.

## Four sections, in this order

**Where we are** — what has happened since the last update, in plain language.
**What it means** — the consequence for them, not the procedural step.
**What happens next** — with a date, and who does it.
**Costs** — incurred to date against estimate, and any change to the estimate,
with the reason.

## Costs are never omitted

Even when nothing has changed, say so. A silent period followed by a bill is the
single largest source of fee disputes.

## Plain language

Replace procedural terminology with what it means for them, keeping the term in
brackets once. "The other side has to file their defence by 14 March
(*acknowledgement of service*)".

## Bad news

First paragraph, plainly, with what is being done about it. Bad news buried on
page two reads as concealment when it is found.

## Never

Predict an outcome as a probability, promise a timescale controlled by a court
or another party, or leave a question from the client's last message unanswered.