Client Relations and Communication

Relationships with clients are central to our work as attorneys. In this class, some experience in counseling clients is assumed – but we will review foundational skills: active listening, initial meeting techniques, and helping a client make a decision. Students will discuss and practice more advanced skills and techniques in building client relationships and rapport: cultural competency; bringing a client bad news; counseling clients in complex litigation; engaging the client who becomes frustrated or disappointed during the course of the representation; and similar topics. This course will also delve deeper into ethical considerations in client counseling, including discussions of privilege, confidentiality, and perjury.  We employ a mix of pedagogies: lecture, small group discussion, and simulated client interaction.