This is Paralegal Angela's first solo interview at her new family law practice firm. She has done interviews before but never for a client seeking a divorce. Describe all of the interpersonal skills that Angela should consider in order to make her first family law client interview a successful one.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Angela must make sure that she shows the client her competence and, by extension, her firm's competence, in handling the client's matter. She must make the client feel that her information will be kept in strict confidence. At all times during any client contact, Angela must maintain a professional demeanor. She must avoid befriending the client by developing a personal relationship. In addition, Angela must refrain from making moral judgments about the client and giving her opinion on the client's life.
Angela has always been a good listener, but now must demonstrate that to the client by giving the client her attention and watching her and her client's body language. She should take good notes and provide the client with feedback to show that she is listening and hearing what the client says. If the client appears to be nervous, Angela can talk about the weather or if she had problems traveling to the office, and she could offer her a beverage from the snack bar in the employee lunch room.
Finally, Angela should be prepared to refer the client, with the attorney's approval, to such services as displaced homemaker groups, therapists or support groups, Internet websites, hotline telephone information lines, substance-abuse or mental health counselors, domestic violence services, and perhaps pastoral counselors. Angela should have contact information for all these available when needed.