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Interview - SQE2 - Coggle Diagram
Interview - SQE2
Interview Process
Introductory Phrases
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Before you give me details on why you’ve come to see me, could I just check your contact details?
In this meeting I would like to get a good understanding of, and a lot more detail about, why you’re here and need our help today.
After you have told me about your concerns and I have taken detailed notes of all the relevant facts, I will be able to explain how the law relates to your circumstances and we will be able to discuss what options are available to you and what will happen following our meeting today
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I will be taking notes throughout this meeting, so that I have an accurate record of your instructions, so apologies if I’m sometimes looking down at my notes.
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Provide professional advice in a way they can understand and that is tailored to them, including regarding their concerns for matters like maintaining family relations
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Next steps
An important part of building trust and confidence is managing your client’s expectations of the process as well as your role within it.
At this stage you don’t need to give lots of detail, but you do need to explain what the client should expect from you in the short term.
Also don’t be afraid to ask the client to participate in these next steps, for example reviewing your firm’s information on fees and complaints
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INTERVIEW CRITERION 1 - Conducting the Interview Criterion 1. Listening and Asking questions effectively so the client can tell the solicitor what is important
- Begin the interview by checking an outline of the client's goals to make sure you correctly understand their aims
- Consider what the client wants to achieve and work backwards to figure out your advice
- Establish what the client wants to achieve and listen as much as you question
- START with OPEN QUESTIONS
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- At the end, summarise what your client said in their words to show you are listening - eg ‘the main practical matter you wish to resolve is a right of access to your property, correct?’
- Before you conclude asking questions, ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of all relevant info and have asked surrounding/ending questions – eg ‘is there anything further you’d like to add/discuss’
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INTERVIEW - Format?
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You are given instructions with client details and your client’s issue, alongside any other relevant documents like a will, a contract for sale, or search results – which may all indicate specific legal issues
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5 Criteria
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Demonstrating client focus (understanding the problem from the client’s POV and what the client wants to achieve, not just a legal perspective)
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INTERVIEW CRITERION 2 - Criterion 2: Communicating with the client in a suitable way that’s understandable
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