Many local counsel problems begin with a friendly message that is too vague: "Can you handle this for us?" The better habit is a short engagement note. It does not need to be formalistic, but it should make the professional relationship clear before work begins.
Define the exact task
State the jurisdiction, venue, matter name or safe reference, and the task to be performed. "Assist with litigation" is too broad. "Attend the case management hearing on 18 June and report any directions made" is usable.
Separate strategy from local execution
If the instructing lawyer remains responsible for strategy, say so. If local counsel may advise on local procedure, say that too. Ambiguity about who is giving legal advice can confuse the client and create responsibility problems.
Record confidentiality and conflicts
The engagement note should confirm that conflicts have been checked and that shared materials are confidential. If the local lawyer needs to share documents with a clerk, translator, agent, or junior colleague, agree that boundary in advance.
Agree fee and disbursements directly
Fees should be clear before the task starts: fixed fee, hourly rate, currency, taxes if relevant, invoicing party, payment timing, and treatment of court fees, courier charges, travel, or translation. LawyerGo does not hold funds, so the lawyers should record their direct arrangement.
Specify the close-out report
Agree what "done" means. For a hearing, that may be an attendance note and order. For a filing, it may be stamped confirmation. For a registry check, it may be a dated extract or written summary.
A good engagement note is short, but it turns a risky informal handoff into a professional instruction.