A useful handoff tells the next person what matters now, where the source material lives, and what decision is needed. Use this list when work changes hands or someone covers an absence.
Capture the current picture
- Matter name, client contact, and responsible team members.
- A short summary of the objective and current stage.
- The latest client instructions and any open approvals.
- Key documents, with links to the current versions.
Make the next steps explicit
- Upcoming dates and the source for each deadline.
- Tasks in progress, owners, and expected completion dates.
- Open factual or legal questions and who will resolve them.
- Risks or sensitivities the incoming team member should review.
Close the loop
Ask the receiving person to confirm ownership of the next action. Update the matter record after the conversation so the shared view matches the plan. For time-sensitive work, check the deadline against the source rather than relying on a copied date.
A short handoff note
Current status: What has happened so far?
Next action: What needs to happen, by whom, and when?
Watch points: Which assumptions, missing documents, or client questions could change the plan?