Client Interviewing

Allens Arthur Robinson are the proud sponsor of the UTS LSS Senior Client Interviewing Competition - many thanks to Allens for their ongoing support!

To be eligible to compete in the Client Interview Competition, you must be a financial member of the Law Students' Society. To become a member, please click here

What is Client Interviewing?

A team of two solicitors interview a potential client playing out a fact scenario that involves a legal issue. Prior to the interview, the solicitors only have a brief idea of what the issue is in relation to. The overall objective in a client interviewing competition is to clearly ascertain the legal issue or problem the client has, provide some feedback as to what options are available to the client in these infant stages and attempt to work with the client to achieve an outcome they would like to see whilst maintaining a legal perspective.

The client interview is conducted as if you were meeting the client for the first time and they have not used you or the firm you're employed with before. Therefore a discussion of fees, confidentiality and the taking of information is necessary prior to commencing the substantive part of the interview.

Why Participate?

Taking part in Client Interviewing carries with it perhaps the least amount of preparation time as solicitors have limited knowledge of the legal issue at hand and therefore cannot conduct any specific research or review prior to the interview. Participation in the competition allows students to develop and receive feedback on the important skill of client interviewing which almost every practising lawyer has had to go through.

The interview is not so much about the outcome you get for the client so much as how you arrive at that outcome. For example, the client might want his house back as a landlord has locked him out. The client may be irate about the situation and keep asking questions like "Can you get my house back"? In this situation a client may need to be calmed down by the solicitor and reminded that he/she will do their best to get a positive outcome, but in order to reach that they need the client to give full details of the legal problem.

How Do I Participate?

Throughout Autumn Semester and Spring Semester each year, the UTS Law Students' Society holds Senior and Junior Client Interviewing Competitions. In preparation for the ALSA Conference, the Senior Client Interviewing Competition is held in Autumn Semester. The winner of the Senior Client Interviewing competition is usually invited to compete at the ALSA Conference. The Junior Client Interviewing Competition is held in Spring Semester. Accompanying the Junior Client Interviewing Competition is a seminar series to educate and help junior competitors develop prior to the competition getting underway. Those of you who are interested in Client Interviewing and would like more information can contact Nicholas Bentley, our Client Interviewing Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How Do I Volunteer?

Volunteering as a client is a perfect way to gain a first-hand insight into the Client Interviewing Competition, before deciding to participate as a competitor yourself. For those who have not competed before, volunteering for the Senior Client Interviewing competition is particularly recommended, as it provides an excellent opportunity to watch experienced senior students in action and learn from them, so that you can take that knowledge with you and apply it in the Junior Client Interviewing Competition held in Spring (Second) Semester. To register your interest in becoming a volunteer, please email Nicholas Bentley, the Client Interviewing Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

When Does the Competition Take Place?

Client Interviewing will be held on Tuesdays between 11am-8pm, although hours are flexible.

About Client Interview:

As a legal practitioner, the first impression you make on a new client is vital. It can often make or break a legal career. And whilst you can wait until you graduate to learn this skill the hard way, why not get head start?

The Client Interview competition not only fosters experience in communication, problem solving and analysis but also promotes ethical awareness. It's about picking apart the issues to find an astute, ethical and practical solution for your client.

Competitors also have the chance to receive feedback from academics, legal practitioners and UTS's brightest students.

To register or for further information, please refer to: http://www.utslss.com/competitions/client-interviewing or contact Nicholas Bentley, UTS LSS Competitions Director (Client Interview): This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Do I Need any Previous Experience?

No experience is required to compete in the Senior or Junior Client Interviewing Competition. However, for those wishing to compete in the Senior Client Interviewing Competition, it is advised that they should have competed in the Junior Client Interviewing Competition first.

Registration and Dress Code?

Registration for the Client Interviewing competitions will open immediately prior the commencement of each semester and will remain open for the first two weeks of semester. Solicitor briefs for the preliminary rounds will be released as soon as possible after the draw has been finalised, however competitors can assume one week of preparation time prior to competing. Briefs will be available be made available via email.

The dress code is business attire.