Lawyers and their Clients

Course Content:

This module will develop the range of professional skills needed by a solicitor in dealing
with a client, both in writing and face-to-face. These include general interpersonal skills,
ethical and professional standards, research and drafting skills and an ability to advise a
client accurately and competently, on both legal and non-legal matters.

The module will develop in the students an ability to think on their feet, to solve
problems, to carry out research and to deliver accurate legal advice under pressure. This
module is a pre-requisite for students wishing to apply to take Community Legal Advice
Centre (LL6196).

Topics covered include:

Autumn Semester:
? The practical skills involved in conducting an interview with a client in a
professional and ethical manner
? Fact-gathering and questions
? Closing and next steps
? Structure and control
? Preparing to see a client
? Drafting and evaluating

Spring Semester:
? The professional ethics and codes of conduct, with a special emphasis on those
of a practicing lawyer
? A range of areas of law commonly encountered by a high street solicitor,
including housing, consumer protection, health and safety, police procedures,
legal aid and access to justice
? A range of substantive legal issues which would be determined by the specific
client roles generated each year
? Delivering coherent advice
? Preparation and preconceptions

Teaching: Two-hour workshops which will include a substantial amount of role-play

Assessment:

STUDY OPTION 1:
? Mid-course Practical (30%): This will take the form of an interview with an
emphasis on the interpersonal skills involved in delivering perhaps difficult advice
to a difficult client
? Coursework (70%): including a second interview combined with the submission
of an assessment bundle
STUDY OPTION 2: Videoed Interview/Evaluative Essay
STUDY OPTION 3: Videoed Interview

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer