# Attorney product guide

Onboarding, docket search, marketplace proposals, messages, appointments, and contracts — step by step.

6 min read

## Messages

Communicate with clients from one inbox. Conversations start when a client engages with you.

### Attorney messages

- **Maria R.**  
  2m ago  
  Thanks — can we schedule a call?  
- **James T.**  
  1h ago  
  Sent hire request follow-up

## How it works

1. A client must first engage with you — for example by sending a message from your proposal, booking a meeting, or submitting a hire request — before a conversation appears in Messages.
2. Open [Messages](https://www.openlaw.com/attorney/dashboard/messages) from the attorney dashboard sidebar.
3. Select a conversation tied to a case or proposal to view the full thread.
4. Reply to client questions, follow up after a hire request, or share next steps.
5. Messages stay linked to the matter so context is always available alongside proposals and dockets.

## Good to know

- Clients cannot message you until they engage from a proposal or related case action.
- New activity from clients appears in your Messages inbox.
- Use Messages alongside Marketplace and My Matters to keep every case moving.

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