Client Interview Flashcards
6 cards from real SQE2 practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Client Interview flashcards as text
During an initial client interview, what should a solicitor do first before discussing the substantive legal issues?
Answer: Establish the client's identity, explain the retainer terms, and confirm there are no conflicts of interest
Before substantive discussion, a solicitor must verify the client's identity (for AML compliance), explain the basis of the retainer including costs, and conduct a conflict check. These are professional obligations under the SRA Code of Conduct.
A client becomes visibly distressed during an interview when discussing a sensitive family matter. What is the most appropriate response?
Answer: Acknowledge the client's feelings, offer a brief pause, and proceed at their pace
Effective client care requires empathy and sensitivity. Acknowledging the client's distress, offering a pause, and adjusting the pace demonstrates good communication skills while maintaining the professional relationship and obtaining necessary information.
When taking instructions from a client who has limited English proficiency, what should the solicitor arrange?
Answer: Arrange for a professional interpreter and confirm the client consents to the interpreter's presence
A professional interpreter should be arranged to ensure accurate communication. Using family members raises confidentiality and accuracy concerns. The client should consent to the interpreter's presence, and the interpreter should be made aware of confidentiality obligations.
A prospective client asks a solicitor for advice during an initial interview but the matter falls outside the solicitor's area of expertise. What should the solicitor do?
Answer: Advise the client honestly that the matter is outside their expertise and refer them to a specialist
Under SRA Principle 7 and the Code of Conduct, solicitors must act in the best interests of each client and only provide services they are competent to deliver. If a matter is outside their expertise, they should be honest and refer the client appropriately.
During a client interview, the client reveals information that suggests a third party may be at imminent risk of serious harm. What should the solicitor consider?
Answer: Whether the exception to confidentiality for preventing serious harm applies, and whether disclosure to appropriate authorities is justified
While client confidentiality is fundamental, it is not absolute. Where there is a risk of serious harm to a third party, the solicitor should consider whether the exception to confidentiality applies, balancing the duty to the client against the duty to prevent serious harm.
What is the purpose of providing a client care letter following the initial interview?
Answer: To confirm the instructions, explain the scope of work, costs, complaints procedure, and regulatory information
A client care letter confirms instructions received, sets out the scope of work, explains costs and billing arrangements, provides details of the complaints procedure, and includes required regulatory information. It is a key client care requirement under the SRA Code of Conduct.