Learning Outcomes
After studying this article, you will be able to explain the objectives of a client interview, set out practical pre-interview steps, and outline how to plan and structure an effective legal interview. You will know how to prepare your questions, environment, and materials to meet SQE2 standards on professional, client-focused interview conduct.
SQE2 Syllabus
For SQE2, you are required to understand the planning and structure of effective client interviews and the necessary practical preparations. During revision, concentrate on:
- understanding the core aims of the client interview and the steps required before the meeting
- planning the interview environment, structure, and written agenda
- identifying client objectives and anticipating risks or sensitivities before the interview
- structuring the meeting to gather information and provide initial advice
- applying professional client care standards to all pre-interview work
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What are three distinct purposes served by a legal client interview?
- Why should a lawyer consider both environment and timing when arranging an interview?
- What is the key difference between a checklist and a topic list in interview preparation?
- True or false? It is good practice to begin advising the client before the main facts have been clarified and confirmed.
- How does comprehensive pre-interview preparation help client care standards?
Introduction
Effective interview preparation is critical to successful client communication and information gathering. For SQE2, you must show you can plan, structure, and conduct a client meeting professionally—from reviewing the case file in advance to setting an appropriate agenda and ensuring client care throughout.
A legal interview is not just about collecting facts but is also your first opportunity to build trust and demonstrate professional standards.
Key Term: client interview
A planned discussion with a client in which a lawyer collects relevant information, identifies objectives, gives legal and procedural advice, and agrees next steps.
The Role and Value of Interview Preparation
Thorough interview preparation underpins all further client work. Preparation enables you to:
- identify what is already known and what must be established
- ensure the interview covers all key issues without omitting important facts
- approach potentially sensitive or emotional issues with suitable care
- meet regulatory and professional requirements for client care
Key Term: pre-interview preparation
All actions taken before a client meeting to review facts, consider issues, and set the physical and logistical arrangements for the interview.
Planning the Interview: Structure, Environment, and Agenda
Physical and Practical Arrangements
A well-run interview starts with thinking about where and how the meeting will happen. You should:
- ensure privacy and freedom from interruption
- confirm you have time to address all issues properly
- organise necessary documents, writing materials, and any resources you may need
Key Term: interview plan
A written or mental outline for a client meeting, capturing main phases, logical sequence of topics, and any key questions to be asked.
If possible, have a printed appointment, a private room, and all relevant documents and correspondence to hand.
Agenda and Structuring Tools
Structuring the interview gives clarity and keeps the meeting on track. One common format is to divide the interview into clear phases:
- Welcome and introduction: establishing professional rapport, explaining your role
- Information gathering: using open and focused questions to understand the client's circumstances
- Supplying information and initial advice: discussing next steps and likely outcomes
- Summary and conclusion: confirming mutual understanding and follow-up actions
Some lawyers use a written checklist or topic list to ensure all essential matters are addressed. However, a checklist should not become a rigid script.
Key Term: checklist
A preparatory list of issues or questions, used to help ensure that nothing essential is missed in a meeting.Key Term: topic list
A short list of headings or themes to guide the interview, providing structure without specifying exact questions or sequence.
Relying exclusively on pre-set questions can disrupt natural flow and limit the client's ability to tell their story.
Anticipating Client Needs and Risks
In preparation, consider what you already know about your client's background, objectives, and any likely sources of anxiety. Review the file for:
- incomplete information requiring clarification
- indicators of urgency, deadlines, or factors affecting the client's situation
- areas that might need extra sensitivity, such as emotional issues or cultural factors
If advance information is sparse, prepare to use open-ended questions and careful listening to clarify essential facts during the interview itself.
Making the Interview Client-Centred
An effective interview adjusts to the client’s priorities and communication style. Key elements include:
- setting a supportive tone from the outset
- confirming your role and the meeting’s purpose
- allowing the client to explain their situation in their own words
- using structured but flexible questioning to elicit details
Ensure you inform the client about note-taking and explain how information will be used confidentially.
Key Term: client care
The professional obligation to treat clients with respect, keep them informed, and support them in decision-making throughout the legal process.
Listening actively, summarising key points back, and checking for understanding builds confidence and reduces misunderstandings.
Worked Example 1.1
Your only information before an interview is: "Client, Mr Lee, has a boundary dispute." What practical steps do you take to prepare?
Answer:
Book a private meeting space, allow sufficient time, and assemble basic materials. Prepare a topic list covering background, property details, dispute specifics, and client objectives. Set up to welcome Mr Lee, explain your role, and invite him to lay out his concern in his own words before asking targeted questions.
Worked Example 1.2
You have a list of specific questions about liability but little information about the client's aims. How do you ensure the interview remains client-focused?
Answer:
Use your question list as a reference, not a script. Start with open questions so the client can set out their main concerns. Adjust your sequence of questions to follow the client’s story. Summarise regularly and be alert for issues not anticipated in your checklist.
Flexibility and Professionalism in Conduct
Interview plans and checklists are essential for SQE2, but you must remain flexible. Adjust to the flow of the conversation. Professionalism means maintaining control of the agenda while giving the client every chance to articulate their objectives.
Exam Warning
In SQE2, do not proceed to give specific legal advice before fully clarifying core facts and client objectives. Assessment scenarios penalise inadequate information-gathering before advising.
Revision Tip
Prepare a topic list before each client meeting, but be ready to change order and priorities if the client raises new or unexpected issues.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- The objectives and structure of a legal client interview for SQE2 purposes
- Key steps to pre-interview preparation, including information review and environment setup
- The purpose and proper use of checklists and topic lists in guiding, but not scripting, interviews
- The importance of flexibility, client care, and active listening during client meetings
- Professional standards requiring confirmation of facts and objectives before advising
Key Terms and Concepts
- client interview
- pre-interview preparation
- interview plan
- checklist
- topic list
- client care