A full script with some example questions plus templates for noting questions and answers with the client.
Also, a table setting out the advantages and disadvantages for each option.
INTERVIEWING AND ADVISING
INTRODUCTION (4 MARKS)
Introduce Good morning/afternoon, I am […], thanks for coming in to see me today.
myself
Explain how the I’ll start by explaining how this interview is going to run.
interview will
be run In a moment, I will ask for your full name and contact details, and then I will ask for a full background for the problem that you
are coming to see me about today.
I will then move on to obtaining any missing information from you by asking some questions, and then advising you.
I’ll conclude by explaining how the firm will charge you for any subsequent work we undertake for you.
And before we conclude the interview today, we will agree between ourselves what actions that we will take following the
interview.
Also, just to let you know, I’ll be taking notes during this interview today to help me get a better understanding of your
situation.
Charges I would like to reassure you that there will be no charge for today’s interview.
Confirm with Does that all sound OK with you?
client
Obtain client’s Great. Would you mind giving me your full name, address, contact number and email address please?
details
Ask client to Thank you. If you could now begin telling me very briefly why you have come to see me today.
briefly explain
problem, goals,
and concerns
Confirm I see. [Repeat problems, goals, and concerns].
understanding
OVERVIEW (8 MARKS)
Reiterate Okay, if you could now give me the full background of the problem, starting with […], right up to the position as it is today.
history
Confirm So, your main concerns today are – […]?
concerns
Add anything Do you have anything else you wish to add before I ask you some questions?
else
QUESTIONING (30 MARKS)
Thank and Thank you for that.
explain
I am just going to ask you some questions now about what you have told me to try and get the information I need before I go
onto advising you, is that okay?
Key example questions
CONTRACT 1. Was any contract/agreement in writing or verbal?
2. What date did the contract begin to operate properly (if ever)?
3. What are the key dates?
4. Were the key dates a term of the contract?
5. Any other relevant documents? [be specific]
TAX 1. What rate of tax do you pay?
2. Do you know what your total income tax liability/total chargeable gain is?
3. Any other relevant documents? [be specific]
PROPERTY 1. Do you have a copy of the deeds/title plan/conveyance?
2. Is the land registered or unregistered?
3. Is there a mortgage on the land?
4. Any other relevant documents? [be specific]
Financial loss Can you quantify your financial loss?
Mitigation Would it have been possible to mitigate any loss?
Other losses Is there anything else you can quantify? Any other losses you have sustained?
Confirm Thank you for that.
concerns
So just to recap, the things that you are most concerned about today are – […]?
ADVISING (37 MARKS)
Introduction Thank you. I think I have all of the extra information that I need now so I am going to go on to advising you.
I will start by setting out your basic legal position, and then I will talk through what actions there are for you to take the matter
forward.
hcnotes
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