What an advisory engagement includes
- Review of existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations
- Identification of gaps, conflicts, and documents that no longer do what you think they do
- Strategy discussion — what structure fits your situation and what does not
- A written summary of recommendations you can act on
- Referral to counsel for anything outside this firm’s current scope
What it does not include
Filing, administration, or ongoing representation. Specifically, this engagement does not include Medicaid applications, probate or estate administration, guardianship proceedings, or estate litigation. If your situation needs any of those, you will be told plainly and referred.
Because the representation is limited, the scope is defined in a written engagement letter before any work begins, under Rule 1.2(c) of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct — which permits a lawyer to limit the scope of a representation where the limitation is reasonable and the client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.
Who this suits
- You have documents drawn up years ago and no idea whether they still work
- You are weighing a trust and want a straight answer on whether you need one
- You have been given advice by a non-lawyer — a financial advisor, a seminar, a relative — and want it checked
- You want to understand your options before committing to a full engagement
An advisory engagement can lead to a full drafting engagement. It does not have to.
Frequently asked questions
What is an advisory-only engagement?
A limited-scope representation where the firm provides analysis, strategy, and written recommendations without taking on filing or ongoing representation. The scope is agreed in writing before work starts.
Can you review documents another lawyer drafted?
Yes. Reviewing existing documents is one of the most common reasons people use this engagement, particularly where the documents are more than a few years old.
Will you tell me if I need something you do not handle?
Yes, and you will be referred. Telling you plainly is the point of the engagement.
Can an advisory engagement turn into full representation?
Yes, by a new written agreement. There is no obligation either way.
Related: Wills · Powers of Attorney · Health Care Proxy & Advance Directives · back to Estate Planning
Written by Dale Riedel, Esq. · Admitted in New York, Bar No. 5837539