Ernest CounselClient intake for small firms

Every new client answered.

Ernest replies to every new enquiry in your firm's name, the moment it arrives. Then it keeps one list of clients, matters and deadlines, so nothing slips.

2 pilot places. Free, and we set it all up for you.

Smith & BarnesExample firm
  1. New enquiry from Jane Doe NewRear-ended on I-35 near Temple. Back pain, car towed.
  2. Reply sent in your firm's name"Thanks Jane. Mr Smith will call you Monday before 10 am."
  3. On your list as a new matterAuto accident. Limitation date 12 Sep 2028.
  4. Engagement letter signed SignedSent in one click, signed on her phone.
The office was closed all weekend. Jane still heard back in under a minute.

Why replying first matters

In a secret-shopper study of US law firms, 67% never answered a prospective client's email. 48% could not be reached by phone at all. Clio, Legal Trends Report 2024

The person who calls you at 6 pm on a Friday has usually called two other firms as well. They tend to hire whoever gets back to them first.

Ernest makes sure that is you, even when the office is closed, the phones are busy or your paralegal is out. You don't learn new software. You open one list on Monday and every enquiry is on it.

How it works

Four things, in the order a new client meets them.

  1. Your enquiry form, in your colours

    A short form on your website, plus a QR code for your window and business cards. It asks what a good paralegal would ask, and tells the client no attorney-client relationship exists yet.

  2. An instant reply in your name

    The client gets an email from your firm within seconds, saying who will call and when. Nobody has to be at a desk.

  3. One list for the whole office

    Every client and matter on one screen: status, next deadline and last contact. Reminders go out 90, 60 and 30 days before each deadline.

  4. Engagement letter, signed online

    Send it in one click. The client signs on their phone and the signed copy files itself to the matter.

Clients and mattersMonday, 8:40 am
ClientMatterStatusNext deadlineLast contact
Jane DoeAuto accident, I-35New12 Sep 2028Fri 6:12 pm, auto reply
Luis OrtegaSlip and fall, grocery storeEngagedRecords request, in 6 daysThu, phone call
Ruth KellerWill and power of attorneyDraftingSigning, 14 OctWed, email filed
Dale WhitakerDog biteWaiting on clientPhotos, 3 OctTue, email filed
Example data. Ernest shows your real clients and matters here, and nothing else.

Plain terms

What it costs

The first 2 firms pay nothing and we do the setup. In return we ask for a short testimonial, your logo on this site and a 15-minute call once a month. From firm 3 it is a flat monthly fee. No contract, cancel any month.

Your data

Each firm gets its own private system, hosted in the US. Any AI runs on our own hardware, never a public chatbot. If you leave, you take a full export with you.

Your email stays yours

Keep the email you have. With your say-so, Ernest reads it read-only to file client emails to the right matter. It never sends, deletes or changes anything in your mailbox, and you can switch it off at any time.

What it doesn't do

We'd rather say so now:

  • No trust accounting, billing or e-filing.
  • No legal advice. Your firm stays responsible for advice and the client relationship.
  • We never contact injured people. Ernest only replies to people who have already reached out to you.

Two free pilot places.

For small firms in Texas with 1 to 4 lawyers, doing general practice or injury work.

  • We do the setup. You don't install anything.
  • Your enquiry form live on your website, with a QR code.
  • One list of clients, matters and deadlines for the office.
  • No charge for pilot firms.

Apply for a pilot place

You'll get an email from us straight away, and a call within 2 business days.

We use these details only to contact you about the pilot. See our privacy note.