Overview - 1. Interview/Attendance Note Flashcards
How long is the interview/attendance note assessment and how is the time split?
1 hour
* Interview: 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to interview
* Attendance note: 25 minutes to prepare
Interview
What is the most basic description of the task in the interview assessment?
Ask questions, elicit instructions from the client, and build trust and confidence
Interview
What is the assessment objective for the interview assessment?
Demonstrate ability to conduct interview with client
Interview
What are the assessment criteria for the interview assessment?
- Listen to client, and use effective questioning to enable the client to tell you what is important to them
- Communicate and explain in a way that is suitable for the client to understand
- Conduct yourself in a professional manner and treat the client with courtesy, respect, and politeness
- Demonstrate client focus
- Establish and maintain an effective relationship with the client so as to build trust and confidence
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
How should you use your legal knowledge?
To identify particular areas for clarification
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
How should you begin the interview?
Outline what you believe the issues to be, and check with the client that this is correct before starting to question the client
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
What is the primary aim of the inteview?
To enable the client to provide you with a full account of the matter, dispute, or transaction
You may need to ask them to expand on or clarify particular areas
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
What are two examples of open phrases which you can use to elicit information from the client?
- Tell me about…
- Give an account of the events leading up to…
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
What must the client feel they have had the opportunity to do?
Explain their issues
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
How can you show the client you are actively listening?
Summarise what they have told you, e.g. The main matter you are keen to resolve is…
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
What should you avoid doing and why?
Avoid making too many assumptions, as the client will know more about their situation than you do
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
If you are to assume something, how should this be approached?
By stating the assumption and asking the client to confirm if it is true, or simply turning the assumption into a question
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
Before concluding the information acquisition part, what should you ask the client?
If there is any other issue they wish to discuss, or anything further they would like to add
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
What should you avoid doing before you have all the information you need?
Giving your advice
Interview - Listen to client, and use effective questioning
What should you do before moving onto preliminary advice and next steps?
Summarise the facts and the client’s concerns
Interview - Communicate/explain… suitable for client to understand
What type of language should you use?
Language suited to the particular client
A business client and a lay client will be comfortable with different language
Interview - Communicate/explain… suitable for client to understand
How many questions should you ask at a time?
One
Interview - Communicate/explain… suitable for client to understand
Although you are not required to give detailed legal advice in the interview, what should you do?
Explain enough of the key concepts to win the client’s trust
You do not want the client to leave the interview feeling they are no further on
Interview - Communicate/explain… suitable for client to understand
How should you qualify the explanations you give the client in interview?
Tell the client that you would like to explain some key concepts, but you will be following up after the interview with a detailed note of your legal advice
Interview - Professional manner… courtesy, respect, politeness
You will be advised if the client is already in the interview room. If they are, what is true about the interview?
It will begin as soon as you enter the room
Interview - Professional manner… courtesy, respect, politeness
How do you demonstrate a professional manner at the outset?
Appropriately introduce yourself (as a solicitor or an associate unless told otherwise), and confirm the client’s details as well as the matter on which they are seeking your advice
Interview - Professional manner… courtesy, respect, politeness
What should you demonstrate to the client about your plan for the interview, and what is a suggested paragraph to deal with this?
That you have a clear plan (based on your preparation)
First of all, I will ask you to explain what has happened. Then, I may ask you some further questions to clarify things. That should enable me to explain any key concepts and follow up with a detailed note of my legal advice