NAME:
STUDENT NUMBER:
SUBJECT: LITIGATION SKILLS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN LAWYERS
MODULE CODE: TLI4801
ASSESSMENT TYPE: TAKE HOME EXAMINATION
ASSESSMENT NUMBER: 03
DUE DATE: 10 OCTOBER 2022
,DECLARATION OF HONESTY
Honesty Declaration:
In writing and submitting this paper i affirm that:
1. I understand what academic dishonesty entails and are aware of UNISA’s
policies in this regard.
2. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the
intention of passing it off as his or her own work.
3. I did not make use of another student’s work with or without permission
and submitted it as your own.
Date: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Signature: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
, QUESTION 1
1. a. A major part of what a legal practitioner does in various respects rests on
interviewing. A legal practitioner is required to apply his interviewing skills. Thus
it makes sense that a lawyer gets a client’s story before taking any action to
advance his interest.
Thus the purpose of the interview with the potential client is to:
establish the interpersonal dimensions of the lawyer-client relationship;
identify the issues and obtain sufficient detailed information to advance the
matter;
determine the client’s objectives, and so far as possible, advice accordingly;
prepare the way for further action on behalf of the client. 1
b. The aim of exchanging pleasantries with a potential client is to introduce yourself to a
client as a legal practitioner. As a client can be nervous, this stage will also help the
client to feel free and comfortable. Pleasantries are further aimed at showing the client
that you care for them and enabling them to relate to you and see you more than just a
lawyer. Thus, it may be said that to some extent, exchanging pleasantries with a client
is aimed at assisting a lawyer to build up a report and gain the clients confidence.
1
David Letsoalo, Skills Course for Law Students: Only Study Guide for SCL1501 (University of South Africa,
Pretoria 2020) 69/70.
STUDENT NUMBER:
SUBJECT: LITIGATION SKILLS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN LAWYERS
MODULE CODE: TLI4801
ASSESSMENT TYPE: TAKE HOME EXAMINATION
ASSESSMENT NUMBER: 03
DUE DATE: 10 OCTOBER 2022
,DECLARATION OF HONESTY
Honesty Declaration:
In writing and submitting this paper i affirm that:
1. I understand what academic dishonesty entails and are aware of UNISA’s
policies in this regard.
2. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the
intention of passing it off as his or her own work.
3. I did not make use of another student’s work with or without permission
and submitted it as your own.
Date: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Signature: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
, QUESTION 1
1. a. A major part of what a legal practitioner does in various respects rests on
interviewing. A legal practitioner is required to apply his interviewing skills. Thus
it makes sense that a lawyer gets a client’s story before taking any action to
advance his interest.
Thus the purpose of the interview with the potential client is to:
establish the interpersonal dimensions of the lawyer-client relationship;
identify the issues and obtain sufficient detailed information to advance the
matter;
determine the client’s objectives, and so far as possible, advice accordingly;
prepare the way for further action on behalf of the client. 1
b. The aim of exchanging pleasantries with a potential client is to introduce yourself to a
client as a legal practitioner. As a client can be nervous, this stage will also help the
client to feel free and comfortable. Pleasantries are further aimed at showing the client
that you care for them and enabling them to relate to you and see you more than just a
lawyer. Thus, it may be said that to some extent, exchanging pleasantries with a client
is aimed at assisting a lawyer to build up a report and gain the clients confidence.
1
David Letsoalo, Skills Course for Law Students: Only Study Guide for SCL1501 (University of South Africa,
Pretoria 2020) 69/70.
