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.
Overview of Classes
A typical class will include a 10-15 minute mini-lesson from me followed by interactive exercises and role plays based on the two simulated cases. You should come to class prepared to talk about the reading materials and to participate in the exercises and role plays.
At the end of each week, you will submit a brief reflection that identifies something that interested you about that week’s class, how it made you think and feel, what you learned from the activity, and how you will use your learning in the future.