# Matter intake

> Capture a new matter completely, and run the conflict and scope questions first.

- Skill: `vstorm-co/matter-intake` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add vstorm-co/matter-intake`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/vstorm-co/matter-intake/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/matter-intake

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# Taking a new matter

Two things have to happen before any substantive discussion, and both are
regularly skipped under time pressure.

## Before anything else

**Conflict check** — every party, every counterparty, every related entity and
every individual named. Run it before advice is given, not before the engagement
letter is sent.

**Limitation** — establish the date of the events and whether any period is
running or close. A matter accepted after limitation has expired is a
professional indemnity claim.

## Then capture

Client and who instructs · the counterparties · what happened, chronologically ·
what the client wants to achieve · documents held and where · anything already
filed, served or agreed · other advisers involved · funding and any insurer.

## Set scope explicitly

What is in, what is out, and what happens next with a date. Scope creep starts
at intake.

## Never

Give preliminary advice before the conflict check clears, or record the client's
account as established fact — it is their account, and label it as such.