How It Works

Credit evaluation in 60 seconds

A simple three-step process to get the credit data you need for informed retainer structuring.

1

Obtain client consent

Before any credit inquiry, you need the client's written authorization. We provide an FCRA-compliant consent form that you can integrate into your intake process.

The consent form clearly explains:

  • The purpose of the inquiry (structuring payment terms)
  • That it's a soft inquiry (won't affect their credit score)
  • How the information will be used
  • Their rights under FCRA

Most clients complete consent in under 30 seconds—it's a simple signature acknowledging you'll evaluate their creditworthiness for payment term purposes.

Consent Form

FCRA Compliant

Authorization for Credit Evaluation

I authorize [Law Firm Name], RetainerLogic and its designated service providers to obtain a consumer report for the purpose of evaluating my creditworthiness in connection with structuring payment terms for legal services.

I understand this is a soft inquiry that will not affect my credit score.

Client Signature
Date

Client Information

John David Smith
03/15/1985
••••••1234
123 Main Street, City, ST 12345
2

Submit client information

Enter the client's identifying information through our secure portal. We need:

  • Full legal name — As it appears on their ID
  • Date of birth — For identity verification
  • Social Security Number — Required for credit inquiry
  • Current address — For bureau matching

All data is transmitted via encrypted connection and processed through our FCRA-compliant systems. We don't store full SSNs after the inquiry completes.

Soft inquiry only: This does not affect the client's credit score.

3

Receive risk assessment

Within seconds, you receive a complete credit risk assessment including:

  • Risk Score Range — Score band indicating payment reliability
  • Risk Category — Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, or Very Poor
  • Recommended Split — Suggested retainer/deferred percentage
  • Documentation — PDF summary for your client file

What you don't receive: The full credit report. You get the actionable assessment without the detailed credit history—keeping the process clean and focused.

Use this data to inform your conversation with the client about payment terms. You now have objective information to support your structuring decision.

Client Evaluation
New Client — Personal Injury
COMPLETED
Risk Score Range
720 – 724
Good
Recommended Structure
50 / 50
50% retainer · 50% deferred
Key Indicators
On-Time Payments 94%
Open Accounts 12
Collections 0
Delinquencies (12mo) 0
Available Credit $28,000+
Derogatory Accounts 0
Soft pull · No impact to client's credit score FCRA-compliant evaluation
Risk Matrix

How we calculate recommendations

Our default risk matrix maps credit scores to recommended deferral limits. Professional and Enterprise plans can customize this matrix.

Score Range Category Max Deferral
800 – 850 EXCELLENT 50%
750 – 799 GOOD 45%
700 – 749 GOOD 40%
650 – 699 FAIR 25%
600 – 649 FAIR 20%
550 – 599 POOR 0%
300 – 549 VERY POOR 0%

These are recommendations, not requirements. You retain full discretion over payment terms.

Security & Compliance

Enterprise-grade data protection

Encrypted Transmission

All data transmitted via TLS 1.3 encryption. SSNs are encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM.

FCRA Compliant

Full compliance with Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements. Permissible purpose certified for every inquiry.

Audit Trail

Complete documentation for every inquiry. 7-year retention per FCRA requirements.

Ready to see it in action?

Run real client evaluations and get credit data in 60 seconds. No charges during trial.

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