Client Counseling

Catalog description

This class will focus on the attorney client relationship, from interviewing perspective clients to counseling clients throughout the representation process from the perspective of the advocate. In addition to interviewing and counseling skills this course will focus on negotiation skills in the context of negotiation process that occurs between lawyer and client, and with opposing counsel from the perspective of the advocate. The goal is for students to gain an understanding of the best practices for client interviewing, counseling, and negotiation. As a part of this focus, students will learn a variety of models, strategies, tactics and conceptual frameworks to use when they analyze legal matters, counsel clients, and negotiate with their attorney counterparts in a matter. The course will emphasize communication and problem-solving skills with particular attention to communication, cognitive and emotional obstacles to effective negotiation and counseling. The course will also address public policy, legal and ethical issues that arise during legal representation. Interviewing, counseling, and negotiation skills are best learned from hands-on experience. Therefore, a substantial portion of this class will involve in-class exercises and role-playing simulations in small groups. Over the course of this class, you will have the opportunity to serve as advocates, clients, and observers. Every student will be assigned a role for each exercise and will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the learning experience through their role.