Scope The Matter

---
name: scope-the-matter
description: "Scope a matter and choose the fee structure deliberately, since an open-ended hourly with no budget breeds write-offs. Reach for this before engaging."
---

# Skill: Scope the matter and fee

An un-scoped matter on open-ended hourly is where write-offs are born.

## Step 1 — Define the scope
Phases, deliverables, and what's excluded (§3 #4).

## Step 2 — Choose the fee structure
Hourly, flat, or contingency by risk allocation.

## Step 3 — Set a budget
Phase budget and a process for scope changes.

## Step 4 — Document the engagement
Tie scope, fee, and billing cadence to the engagement letter (§3 #7).

## Output
A scoped matter, a fee structure, a budget, and engagement terms — for the attorney to finalize.