1. Demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical concepts underpinning interview skills and legal negotiation (sg 1, 2, 4 & 9) (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)

2. Evaluate and interpret the effectiveness of their own interview skills (sg 1, 9 & 12) (Reflection)

3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences (sg4) (Communication)

PC with access to the internet
Access to Blackboard

This module is delivered by blended learning using Blackboard VLE

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (63)
33 hours lectures/tutorials
10 hours module/assessment support, which may be virtual or face to face
20 hours online lecture and interactive exercises and activities via Blackboard VLE

Guided Independent study hour: (237)
47 hours preparing for scheduled sessions, and follow up work completing case study exercises to consolidate learning
100 hours independent study and wider reading, including researching web based resources
90 hours assessment preparation

Verbal communication skills are developed throughout this module with an emphasis upon oral communication skills assessed

The content of the module conforms to the generic National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice (SFJCSAB1, LSIAG11, LSIAG8, SFJGA5, SFJGA6, SFJBF1, SFJBF3)

Topics include:
Aims, purpose and structure of an interview
Non-verbal communication skills, active listening,
Verbal Communication skills (questioning, paraphrasing, reflecting, summarising, language, paralanguage and challenging)
Finding and providing information
Telephone advice
Difficult client groups
Values and attitudes
Environmental, personal and social barriers to effective communication
Written and electronic communication and recording
Confidentiality, data protection and consent
The aims purpose and stages of negotiation
Negotiation types, styles, strategies and tactics
The context of advocacy
Preparation for advocacy
Presenting client's interests

1. An assessed simulated advice interview (video recorded) of up to 15 minutes and an oral reflection (5 minutes) which will assess LO's 1, 2 and 3 weighted 60%.

2. Course work comprising of a written negotiation task of 750 words will assess LO’s 1 and 3, weighted at 40%

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Formative feedback will be provided through

- the completion of a learning journal based on peer feedback and self evaluation from role play activities undertaken during practical sessions
- detailed feedback on an assignment plan

Fisher, R., Ury, W., and Patton, B., (2012) Getting to Yes 3rd Edition, London: Arrow Books Limited.
Trevithick, P. (2012) Social Work Skills and Knowledge a Practice Handbook 3rd Edition. Maidenhead: Open University Press. (e-book)
Heslop, E. (2014) Giving Legal Advice An Advisers Handbook. London Legal Action Group
Webb et al (2015) Lawyers’ Skills. Oxford: Oxford University Press

This is a practical module that aims to provide you with the skills to communicate effectively in a range of different scenarios. You will learn verbal and none verbal communication skills and how to apply these in an interview scenario in order to gain maximum information to assist in your advice-giving and advocacy.
You will also learn to communicate effectively in writing and during telephone calls, and how to communicate to different audiences for different purposes.
You will be expected to participate in regular role-play exercises that will be recorded to assist you in identifying your strengths and improve key areas or aspects of your interviewing techniques.