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Quotations from Messaging

Not every client needs a 30-minute video consultation before you can scope their matter. eSolicitors lets you create a full scope or quotation directly from a message thread, or via a shareable quotation link you can send to anyone.

This is separate from the AI Scoping Consultation flow. The AI does not generate the scope automatically -- you write the scope manually based on the information the client has given you in messages.

When to Use Quotations from Messaging​

Use this approach when:

  • You already know enough from the messages to scope the matter without a call
  • The client has an urgent need and cannot wait for a booked consultation slot
  • You are responding to a returning client whose matter you already understand
  • The matter is straightforward and does not require extended discussion

The AI Scoping Consultation is still available and recommended for complex matters where discussion is needed. Quotations from messaging are for situations where the written exchange is sufficient.

Creating a Quotation from a Message Thread​

From an Existing Thread​

  1. Open the message thread in Lawyer Portal > Messages
  2. Click Create Quotation at the top of the thread
  3. The quotation builder opens with the client's name pre-filled
  4. Build your scope:
    • Add a case summary
    • Select a pricing model
    • Add milestones with descriptions, amounts, and due dates
    • Add client next steps
    • Set the advising jurisdiction
  5. Click Preview to see what the client will see
  6. Click Send to Client

The client receives the quotation in their portal and by email. They can accept, request changes via messaging, or decline.

Creating a Quotation for an Existing Client​

If you have a client account on the platform but no active message thread:

  1. Go to Lawyer Portal > Messages > New Quotation
  2. Search for the client by name or email
  3. Build the scope as above
  4. Send

A message thread is created automatically when the quotation is sent.

You can also generate a shareable quotation link to send to someone who is not yet registered on eSolicitors:

  1. Go to Lawyer Portal > Messages > New Quotation > Shareable Link
  2. Enter the intended recipient's name (required, for security)
  3. Set an expiry for the link (default: 7 days)
  4. Build the scope
  5. Generate the link
  6. Send the link via email or any channel outside the platform

When the recipient opens the link, they are prompted to create an account or sign in. The quotation is then associated with their account.

Security note: The intended client name is shown when the recipient opens the link. If someone other than the intended client opens the link, they will see the name does not match and can flag the issue. Do not share quotation links publicly.

Accepting a Quotation​

When the client accepts a quotation:

  1. The client clicks Proceed with Scoping in their portal
  2. Both parties click Proceed
  3. A 5-minute cooling-off period begins
  4. After the cooling-off period, contact details are released and the matter is locked in
  5. The client clicks Accept and Hire
  6. Escrow payment is collected for the full matter value
  7. An active order is created

From this point, the matter proceeds identically to one started through the AI Scoping Consultation flow. See Orders and Milestones for what happens next.

Pricing Models Available​

All 36 pricing models available in the AI Scoping flow are also available when creating a manual quotation:

  • Fixed fee
  • Hourly rate
  • Conditional fee (no win, no fee)
  • Retainer
  • Instalment-based
  • And all other supported structures

See Pricing Models for the full list with descriptions.

Consultation Type on the Record​

Quotations created from messaging are recorded with consultation_type: message rather than consultation_type: video. This distinction:

  • Appears on the scope document header
  • Is visible in admin records
  • Does not affect how the matter proceeds or how you are paid

Related: AI Consultation Scoping -- the video call flow for when a consultation is needed

Start a new quotation on eSolicitors