Blake Dawson Client Interviewing

QUOTALS Blake Dawson Client Interviewing Competition Nominations opens each year around August. The competition doesn’t take too much preparation and is usually a LOT of fun!

It’s also helpful if you are moving toward the end of your degree and need some practical experience with clients by providing you with the skills of a sought-after graduate. As a practical uni, it’s these experiences that set us apart from the rest!

Do I need a partner?

Students compete in teams of two, although individual nominations are welcome. We will pair you up with another partner.

What is required?

The question is released 2 days before the rounds in the form of a short memo alluding to a client and a problem. It is then up to you to ask the questions. Be prepared for problems including nasty or crazy clients, covering matters usually involving torts or contracts.

A team of two solicitors has a set amount of time to ascertain all the relevant information from their client to ensure that they are represented effectively. The competitors must cover all formalities of an interview, take note of the personal details of the client, the client’s issues and then give suggested possible courses of action.

While you are required to give a short legal advice, the interview – limited to 30 minutes - does not include knowledge of substantive law. Students advise on practical nature of the process and any law that you think may be applicable in lay-mans terms.

You interview in front of a mixture of Brisbane’s legal profession so the utmost professionalism and preparation is required. Business attire is required so dress to impress!

Are there prizes?

There are fantastic prizes to be won including cash and the opportunity to proceed to the Australian Law Society Association’s Conference (this year to be held in Brisbane) where the winners will compete against universities from all around Australia and receive a free pass to a week jam-packed full of social events!

How to get involved?

We are also in need of clients for the competition. Being a client (not as burdensome as it sounds) gives you an opportunity to see firsthand how the interviews operate. Send us an email and let us know what dates and times of your availability.

The Workshop

Every year QUOTALS holds a workshop on the art of client interviewing. The workshop runs through the structure of the interview process and gives you tips about how to best prepare and act in the interview.

The workshop will:

·         Instructions about what client interviewing is, techniques to use and how to address the client.

·         A demonstration so you can see what you are and are not meant to do.

·         Practical exercises so you can put everything you’ve learnt into practice!

Although these are the things we aim to show in the workshop it is very flexible and open to participators input. So the night can be adapted if there is anything in particular you want to know more about or learn.

It is highly recommended that those students entering the QUOTALS Blake Dawson Client Interviewing Competition come along to this – you will gain so much from the experience!

Client Interviewing