1 10 Steps to a Successful Client Interview

2 Preliminary Matters • Steps merely a guide • May need to be modified

3 Step 1 • Prepare for the Interview ▫ Know the facts backwards and

4 Step 2 • Break the Ice ▫ Build rapport

5 Step 3 • Establish Attorney-Client Relationship ▫ Create contractual bond ▫ Explain your

6 Step 4 • Inspire Client Confidence ▫ Explain the pending legal procedure to

7 Step 5 • Listen to the Client’s Story ▫ Obtain the client’s identification

8 Step 6 • Identify Client’s Goals ▫ Does the client’s goals match your

9 Step 7 • Identify relevant legal issues, witnesses and documents ▫ Don’t worry

10 Step 8 • Client Control ▫ Manage expectations ▫ Protect from future damaging

11 Step 9 • Tell the Client there are No Guarantees

12 Step 10 • Tell Client About Next Steps ▫ Next court proceeding, meeting,

13 Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls • Providing the client advice • Coaching a potential witness

14 Evaluate Interviewing Techniques • Look at past clinic interviews • Critique your own

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1 10 Steps to a Successful Client Interview By Thaddeus Hoffmeister www. juries. typepad. com

2 Preliminary Matters • Steps merely a guide • May need to be modified ▫ Location of the interview ▫ Specific needs of the client • Primarily for criminal defendants but applicable to other clients

3 Step 1 • Prepare for the Interview ▫ Know the facts backwards and forwards ▫ Know your goals and how you plan to achieve them for the interview ▫ Anticipate questions • Are there any specific skills or techniques you plan to use?

4 Step 2 • Break the Ice ▫ Build rapport

5 Step 3 • Establish Attorney-Client Relationship ▫ Create contractual bond ▫ Explain your role ▫ Explain the scope of representation

6 Step 4 • Inspire Client Confidence ▫ Explain the pending legal procedure to include possible punishment ▫ Explain the elements of the charges ▫ Dress professionally ▫ Don’t need to have all the answers

7 Step 5 • Listen to the Client’s Story ▫ Obtain the client’s identification of the problem �Is it the current legal issue? �May need to help the client see the actual problem ▫ Explain why you don’t or do need to know everything ▫ Evaluate the client as a potential witness

8 Step 6 • Identify Client’s Goals ▫ Does the client’s goals match your goals? �Probation vs. Incarceration �Name appearing in the media

9 Step 7 • Identify relevant legal issues, witnesses and documents ▫ Don’t worry about admissibility or availability �E. g. , social media ▫ Collateral Consequences

10 Step 8 • Client Control ▫ Manage expectations ▫ Protect from future damaging behavior ▫ Make someone else the bad guy

11 Step 9 • Tell the Client there are No Guarantees

12 Step 10 • Tell Client About Next Steps ▫ Next court proceeding, meeting, etc. ▫ Assign tasks

13 Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls • Providing the client advice • Coaching a potential witness • Client doesn’t want to be interviewed alone • Client discusses current or future criminal activity

14 Evaluate Interviewing Techniques • Look at past clinic interviews • Critique your own performance