Attendance Note

Question 1

What are the 4 main sections of the attendance note/legal analysis?

Answer 1

1. A summary of the clients account and relevant legal/factual position
2. Instructions received on relevant matters
3. Any advice given to the client
4. Agreed next steps and further information which is sought

Question 2

Timescales for interview/attendance note exam?

Answer 2

1. Preparation = 10 mins
2. Interview = up to 25 mins
3. Attendance Note = up to 25 mins

Question 3

Things to look out for…

Answer 3

Negotiation.
Ethics and Professional Conduct

Question 4

Content of attendance note?

Answer 4

1. Date
2. Name of solicitor
3. Name of client
4. Information or instructions received (need not be verbatim) including answers to questions raised.
5. Issues raised (section to list client issues that they seek advice on - n0 list)
6. Advice (concise and accurate summary - n0 list)
   ENSURE TO DEAL WITH QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE PARTNER IN THE INITIAL EMAIL.
7. Response to advice/instructions (did the client make a decision or have they gone away to think?)
8. Future action (what have you/the client identified as next steps. Will you send a letter?)
9. Any other matters (Including ethical issues - what was the issue, why was it problematic, how did you deal with it?)
10. Time engaged.
    (ATTACH ANY DOCS GIVEN AHEAD OF INTERVIEW)

Question 5

Performance Indicator - Skills

Answer 5

1. Record all relevant information

-Identify and set out relevant facts taken from docs and the client interview. Only important facts to ensure client’s needs and objectives are met or are relevant to the legal analysis.

2. Identify appropriate next steps

• Set out steps to be taken to progress the matter e.g. solicitor will send follow up letter with advice / request further info from client.

3. Provide client focused advice

• Demonstrate understanding of client’s concerns from the client’s perspective - legal, commercial and personal circumstances.

Question 6

Performance Indicator - Law

Answer 6

1. Apply the law correctly to the client’s situation.

• Fundamental legal principle and applies correctly to client case.

2. Apply the law comprehensively to the client’s situation (identifying ethical/professional conduct issues and resolving with honesty and integrity).

-Attendance note/legal analysis is sufficiently detailed in the context of the clients case and the relevant factual and legal issues.

-Where relevant, recognise ethical issues and exercise judgment to resolve with honesty and integrity.