INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Unit Workshop: Interviewing and Advising Preparation Notes
Interview Structure
Preparing:
o Create atmosphere in which client feels calm and relaxed
- Physically comfortable
- Free from unnecessary interruptions
o Well-organised professionalism without being austere and/or impersonal
- Ensure solicitor and client can see and hear each other
- Not feel kept at a distance
- Solicitor and client can make written notes in comfort
o Conflict of interest check – name, address, telephone no., basic info, name of any other
person involved.
o Identity checks
o Research – familiarise yourself with client by obtaining background information
o Checklists – if appropriate
o Interpreters
o Client care information sheet
- Information on the costs of the interview
- Details of the client’s right to complain and of how to complain
- Details of the right to complain to the Legal Ombudsman and how to make contact
- Information confirming how your services are regulated
Greeting:
o Warm and welcome greeting
- Make eye contact and address the client by name
- Escort client to interview room
- Shake hands
‘Good morning Mr/Mrs X. My name is Millie Haywood and I am a trainee solicitor with the firm.
Please take a seat.’
Preliminaries:
o Ask the client to confirm your understanding of the reason for the visit before
encouraging the client to launch into a lengthy account of the facts
- Closed question
o How will the interview be conducted?
Unit Workshop: Interviewing and Advising Preparation Notes
Interview Structure
Preparing:
o Create atmosphere in which client feels calm and relaxed
- Physically comfortable
- Free from unnecessary interruptions
o Well-organised professionalism without being austere and/or impersonal
- Ensure solicitor and client can see and hear each other
- Not feel kept at a distance
- Solicitor and client can make written notes in comfort
o Conflict of interest check – name, address, telephone no., basic info, name of any other
person involved.
o Identity checks
o Research – familiarise yourself with client by obtaining background information
o Checklists – if appropriate
o Interpreters
o Client care information sheet
- Information on the costs of the interview
- Details of the client’s right to complain and of how to complain
- Details of the right to complain to the Legal Ombudsman and how to make contact
- Information confirming how your services are regulated
Greeting:
o Warm and welcome greeting
- Make eye contact and address the client by name
- Escort client to interview room
- Shake hands
‘Good morning Mr/Mrs X. My name is Millie Haywood and I am a trainee solicitor with the firm.
Please take a seat.’
Preliminaries:
o Ask the client to confirm your understanding of the reason for the visit before
encouraging the client to launch into a lengthy account of the facts
- Closed question
o How will the interview be conducted?
