The Client Interviewing module is one of several co-curricular lawyering skills available to law students at Kent Law School. In the module students are taught how to establish an effective professional relationship with their clients through simulated role play workshops and plenary sessions. Every year, following our internal competition, students from Kent are selected to represent the University in the Client Interviewing Competition. Callum Finney was one of our students who went through to regionals this year with the help of Tamara Hanna, who not only participated in the module but who has acted as one of our student volunteer clients for the last two years.
Callum Finney, from Hinckley in Leicestershire, has just completed his final year, achieving an Upper Second Class Honours in Bachelor of Laws. He explains why he chose to participate in Client interviewing module, and how it took him to a regional competition:
‘I had previously competed in the mediation and negotiation Lawyering Skill modules and really enjoyed them; I found them to be invaluable to my learning experience and complemented my curricular modules nicely. Additionally, I picked client interviewing because I thought it would be helpful in my future career- I want to be a Solicitor and so I thought that I should take client interviewing because it forms a part of the job I would like to be doing in the future.
Each week the lecture was split into two parts, the first part was theory, and the second part was practice. The first session focused on teaching us the basics of the interview before moving onto some communication skills that we could use in the interview. The next session built upon the first by teaching us the structure of an interview and how to conduct an interview. The third week taught us the ethics and professional obligations that come with interviewing a client. Week 4 focused on a culmination of the previous weeks and we spent the majority of the time that week practicing a full interview in preparation for the internal competition.
I thought the module was a brilliant learning opportunity, it provided a good insight into what information you should seek to get from the first interview with a client and helped us to accomplish this by teaching us the structure of an interview. It also taught us to not be too rigid without questions and to be adaptive to the responses we got to make the most of the interview.
Having won the internal competition, my partner and I were asked to represent the Law School in the national Client Interviewing competition. Prior to the competition, we did 2 further interviews to build our skills before heading to the competition. We came fourth so unfortunately didn’t make it to the nationals but we both had an amazing time taking part in the competition and thought it was a great experience.
Taking part in Client Interviewing provided me with a skill that I can use in my future career. I want to be a solicitor and client interviewing is a big part of that and so by taking this module it has helped to develop this skill to a higher level and mean that I am better equipped to conduct interviews. Not just that but this module focuses on public speaking and thinking on your feet as well which will also be helpful in my future career.’
Tamara Hanna, from Canada, has also just finished the Graduate Entry route, securing an Upper Second Class Honours in Bachelor of Laws. She explains the various ways she has been involved with client interviewing, from volunteering, to participating in the module, to featuring in a training video:
‘I chose to participate in the Client Interviewing module because I had previously volunteered as a client for both the internal competitions at Kent and for the team representing Kent at the regional competition. I really enjoyed being part of the process, especially observing how students approached real-time interviews. Those experiences sparked my interest in the module itself as I’ve always enjoyed face-to-face client interactions. I also took the Mediation module, which reinforced my interest in the practical, interpersonal side of law.
The module focused on developing the core skills needed to conduct a client interview effectively. This included active listening, building rapport, issue spotting, and managing the flow of information. We learned how to approach an interview professionally, while also remaining personable and empathetic to the client’s situation. There was also a strong emphasis on teamwork and reflection, helping us think critically about our communication style and how we could improve individually and together.
I found the experience really enjoyable and enriching. One of the most valuable aspects of the lawyering skills modules is how they bring the human element of legal practice to life. It’s easy to get lost in case law and doctrine, but sitting across from a client reminds you that law is about people. Client Interviewing helped me develop a better awareness of how to communicate with clients in a way that is both respectful and effective. It pushed me to think about how I ask questions, not just what I ask.
I took part in both the internal competition and the semi-finals of the Client Interviewing competition. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but ultimately a really fun and insightful experience. It helped me build confidence, especially in thinking on my feet and working under pressure with a partner. It also sharpened my ability to listen carefully and tailor my approach based on the client’s needs.
I first volunteered last year out of curiosity. My friend was on the regional competition team and invited me to act as the client. I ended up really enjoying it. Playing the role of the client helped me see things from the other side and gave me a better understanding of what it feels like to be in a vulnerable or uncertain position. Even after participating in the competition myself, I continued volunteering as a client for other students in the module, as well as for the second cohort. I genuinely enjoy helping out, and I find that each time I take part, I also learn something new about how to be a better interviewer.
Beyond the Client Interviewing module, I was asked to take part in a training video for the regional competition. My partner and I were recorded as an example of client interviewing, to help bring insight for others who are also partaking in the skill. I’ve also been a regular volunteer for lawyering skills sessions and competitions. I find these practical exercises really fulfilling, both in terms of personal growth and contributing to the community of law students at Kent.
Learning client interviewing skills has been incredibly important to me as I prepare for a legal career. I want to become a lawyer who not only understands the law, but who also knows how to communicate it with empathy and clarity. Prior to starting law school, I worked in various customer service roles where these skills are significant, and being able to shape and apply them in the legal world is meaningful as I realize the job includes meeting new people regularly. These skills are the foundation of client trust and effective legal support, and this module has given me a strong start in developing them.
What stands out most to me is how supportive and collaborative the environment has been throughout this module. Whether it was volunteering, competing, or participating in class, I always felt encouraged to grow. It reminded me why I’m pursuing law, to work directly with people, to problem-solve, and to make a positive difference in someone’s life.’
Lucinda Griffiths, Lecturer and Lead for Client Interviewing, congratulates all of the students who participated in the Client Interviewing module this year. She says, ‘As well as developing valuable techniques such as active listening and how to identify and resolve legal problems, learning how to effectively communicate with others is a valuable skill in any profession. Working closely within a team also allows students to develop their own confidence as well as collegiately’.