1. Identify how professional duties may present themselves in a client interview

Knowledge and understanding

2. Communicate with a client in a professional and ethical manner

Learning, Application, Communication

3. Use active listening and questioning skills effectively to obtain information and instructions from a client.

Analysis, Communication

A pre-seen set of basic facts will be provided in advance and using the skills developed within the module, students will conduct a 10-minute simulated client interview (LO 1-3).

This module is an introduction to professional practice in the context of the first client interview. Students will be introduced to professional and ethical standards expected of legal professionals, and to how they apply to the initial meeting with a client.

The module will focus on building active listening and communication skills.

The module will consist of the following topics such as:

An introduction to client confidentiality and conflicts of interests
Why is listening important?
Why don't we listen
Developing your skills as a listener
Active listening skills
The importance of accurate note taking
How to ask effective questions
Structuring a client interview

During this module you will be introduced to legal professional practice in the form of a client interview. You will learn that effective client communication is a central part of building a successful legal practice, learning how to structure and conduct a client interview within a legal setting. This module offers students who aspire to a career within the legal profession an introduction into the crucial first client interview. The focus on active listening and communication skills is beneficial to all graduate employment.

Lectures/Whole Group Sessions – to introduce professional standards and the relevant skills needed for client interviewing such as questioning, active listening, recording key information and structuring a client interview.

Workshops/smaller group sessions – these sessions will involve working individually and as groups on tasks which help them put into practice the skills taught during the whole group sessions. The sessions encourage active participation and will involve both watching client interviews and participating in interviewing practice.

Emily Finch & Stefan Fafinski, Employability Skills for Law Students (OUP 2014).

Scott Slorach and others, Legal Systems & Skills (5th edn, OUP 2023)

Law Trove