Interviewing Clients

Stages

1. Meeting and Greeting

2. Fact Gathering
3. Confirming Facts
4. Advising
5. Closing

(more details on interviewing handout)

1. Meeting and Greeting

If this is not the first time you have

met the client, then prepare for the
interview by

Having file and documents ready

Reviewing what has happened previously

The first interview:

Introduce yourself, shake hands

Ask permission to take notes
Explain confidentiality
Obtain basic information (name, address,
phone #, occupation etc.)client I.D. rules

Listen to the client, be attentive and make

eye contact

Make sure you are not interrupted by phone

calls, etc. some clients might be impressed
that you are busy, most will be annoyed
that they are not the centre of your attention

First impressions are vital to getting and

keeping clients they need to have
confidence that you are the right one for the
job

Dress appropriately
for interviews and for
court
Remember that you
are playing a role,
what matters is the
image you project
What is appropriate
office attire today?

2. Fact Gathering

Allow the client time to tell his/her

story uninterrupted-much will be
learned in the way the story is told
(e.g. what motivates the client)
However, you have to get behind the
story, since much may be left out
Before drafting a claim you need to
have a step by step chronology of
events, with no factual gaps

It is OK to ask simple questions to

understand what the client does and
what has happened-if you cannot
explain it in laypersons language,
dont expect a judge to understand it
either
Ask questions directed to the
elements of the claim being made
(e.g. negligence, breach of contract)

3. Confirming Facts

Briefly summarize what the client has

told you
Ask the client to confirm the accuracy
of the information or advise you of
any corrections
Note any documents/information that
are needed and make sure the client
understands what is required and
when they are to be provided

4. Advising

You want your client to have confidence in

you
However, you should not promise what you
cannot deliver
You must be clear as to what paralegals are
permitted to do
If you are not sure how to answer a clients
question or need to do research, tell your
client you will get back to him/her-much
better than giving bad advice
Provide your client with options

5. Closing

Confirm clients understanding of the

options
Confirm your instructions in the clients
presence, then confirm these
instructions and any advice given in the
retainer letter
Explain fees
Request a retainer
Identify the next steps to be taken