Estate Planning Counselor Onboarding Checklist

Estate Planning Counselor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Estate Planning Counselor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Legal onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Estate Planning Counselor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Estate Planning Counselor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Estate Planning Counselor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new estate planning counselor should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated company representative.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The new counselor should be given a thorough overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to client confidentiality, document management, and ethical guidelines. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a senior attorney.

3. Introduction to team members: The new counselor should be introduced to their colleagues and key team members within the company. This will help them establish relationships, understand their roles, and foster collaboration. The task of introducing team members is typically performed by the HR department or the counselor’s direct supervisor.

4. Training on estate planning software: As an estate planning counselor, proficiency in estate planning software is crucial. The new counselor should receive training on the specific software used by the company, including how to input client information, generate legal documents, and manage client files. This training is usually conducted by the IT department or a designated software trainer.

5. Shadowing experienced counselors: To gain practical knowledge and learn best practices, the new counselor should have the opportunity to shadow experienced counselors during client meetings, document drafting, and other essential tasks. This task is typically coordinated by the counselor’s direct supervisor or a designated mentor.

6. Review of existing client files: The new counselor should be given the opportunity to review existing client files to familiarize themselves with the types of cases the company handles, the documentation involved, and any ongoing matters. This task is usually performed by the counselor’s direct supervisor or a senior attorney.

7. Introduction to marketing and business development strategies: Understanding the company’s marketing and business development strategies is essential for an estate planning counselor. The new counselor should receive an overview of the company’s marketing initiatives, referral networks, and client acquisition methods. This task is typically performed by the marketing department or a designated business development manager.

8. Compliance training: Estate planning counselors must adhere to various legal and regulatory requirements. The new counselor should receive training on compliance matters, including anti-money laundering regulations, data protection laws, and professional conduct standards. This training is usually conducted by the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

9. Introduction to support staff and administrative processes: The new counselor should be introduced to the support staff responsible for administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing client inquiries, and maintaining office supplies. They should also receive an overview of the company’s administrative processes and procedures. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the counselor’s direct supervisor.

10. Review of company marketing materials and client resources: The new counselor should be provided with an overview of the company’s marketing materials, brochures, and client resources. This will help them understand the company’s branding, messaging, and available resources to support client interactions. This task is usually performed by the marketing department or a designated resource coordinator.

11. Introduction to company technology and communication tools: The new counselor should receive training on the company’s technology infrastructure, including email systems, document management platforms, and communication tools such as video conferencing software. This training is typically conducted by the IT department or a designated technology trainer.

12. Performance expectations and goal setting: The new counselor should have a clear understanding of the company’s performance expectations and be involved in setting individual goals aligned with the company’s objectives. This task is usually performed by the counselor’s direct supervisor or a designated performance manager.

13. Ongoing professional development opportunities: To stay updated with industry trends and enhance their skills, the new counselor should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities such as conferences, webinars, and training programs. This task is typically coordinated by the HR department or a designated professional development coordinator.

14. Introduction to company culture and social activities: To foster a sense of belonging and integration, the new counselor should be introduced to the company’s culture, values, and any social activities or events organized by the company. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a designated culture ambassador.

15. Performance evaluation and feedback processes: The new counselor should be informed about the company’s performance evaluation and feedback processes, including how performance is assessed, when evaluations occur, and how feedback is provided. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the counselor’s direct supervisor.

16. Introduction to company benefits and employee resources: The new counselor should receive an overview of the company’s benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and any employee assistance programs or resources available. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a designated benefits coordinator.

17. Review of company policies on work-life balance and time off: The new counselor should be familiarized with the company’s policies on work-life balance, vacation time, sick leave, and any flexible work arrangements available. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated policy coordinator.

18. Introduction to company-specific legal templates and forms: The new counselor should be provided with an overview of the company’s specific legal templates and forms used in estate planning, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. This task is usually performed by the counselor’s direct supervisor or a designated document specialist.

19. Introduction to billing and invoicing procedures: The new counselor should receive training on the company’s billing and invoicing procedures, including how to track billable hours, generate invoices, and manage client payments. This training is typically conducted by the accounting or finance department.

20. Review of company’s client intake process: The new counselor should be familiarized with the company’s client intake process, including how new clients are onboarded, initial consultations are conducted, and client information is collected. This task is usually performed by the counselor’s direct supervisor or a designated intake coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Estate Planning Counselor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Estate Planning Counselor up to speed and working well in your Legal team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.