Successful Law Client Interview as Calloway (2005)

¶ … Successful Law Client Interview As Calloway (2005) points out, "the initial client interview is like a first date. You do not know each other that well and hope to get better acquainted. There is often a bit of tension or wariness…and it may have its awkward moments. But both of you hold out the hope that this may turn into a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship." With this understanding, the most important step in the client interview is the initial greeting.

First impressions will make a huge difference on whether the client will enter into a contractual agreement and use my services. In many cases, the initial greeting will be on the phone or in an email correspondence instead of in person. Regardless, the initial greeting should be professional and yet personal enough to help the client feel appreciated and treated like a human being and not just an account number. The avoidance of any gender bias and other issues is critical.

The next step in a successful client interview is the acquisition of initial data such as the client's personal background and language of preference. If the client's first language is not English, we should always offer an interpreter or in extreme cases, refer to a partner whose primary language is that of the client. Sensitivity to cultural communication styles is essential, as the client needs to feel completely comfortable, and we need to understand that each person has unique ways of communicating information.

Especially when it comes to matters related to law and the perception of authority, culture and customs impact communication. Third, the client will expect an assurance of confidentiality and we shall inform the client of his or her rights. At this stage in the interview process, we help the client reveal information that will help the case. However, we must take care to protect all information from being leaked, and let the client know that talking to the media or to possible third parties will be a bad idea.

The less the other side knows about our legal strategy, the better. Next, we connect the law to the client's issue. This stage is the crux of our profession and the reason the client is paying us for our services. Here, we go through the case with the client point by point and relate to relevant law. If the case is going to trial, we explain jury demographics and what the client might need to know about courtroom presentation.

We also advise the client as to whether a trial is in the best interest of the case or whether settlement is preferable. At this stage, the client asks questions about their role in the legal process, and we ask questions of the client to retrieve any information pertinent to the case. We inquire about external sources of data or information that might be necessary to prove the client's case.

At this stage we also anticipate what the other side will say in court or in negotiations so that our side is thoroughly prepared. Being completely honest with the client regarding what they can expect from either a trial or.