Client Interviewing and Ethical Reflection Exercise LAW302
- Subject Code :
LAW302
- University :
Deakin University Exam Question Bank is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university.
- Country :
Australia
Task Description
This assessment has two parts. (1) The interview and (2) the writing. In this assessment you will get together with two other students and form a group of three students. I will send you a set of confidential instructions once the groups are finalised via email. In those instructions you are given details about three client interviews. You are to conduct these interviews in your group of three. In one interview you will play the client, then next interview the lawyer and the third the observer. As an observer you will write notes and reflect upon the performance of the student who plays the lawyer/interviewer. Students are to conduct the interviews via zoom and record the sessions.
You will critique and reflect upon the performance of the interviewer. Your written reflection must contain material on the following:
- Did you see evidence that the interviewer constructed solutions to ethical issues involved in the client interview and/or could they think creatively in relation to an ethical issue(s) in the interview?
- Incorporate your own reflections/observations regarding how to address ethical issues which can come up in legal practice. This may arise from the interviews or from the learning resources.
- Write your own reflections/observations on your experience of working in a group. Reference some of the material on collaborative learning provided.
(these issues will likely overlap)
Hint: In writing your reflection clearly signpost these issues by providing sub-headings throughout. This will make it easier for the reader.
You will submit the reflection on moodle which will be 1500 words.
Relevance : Why am I doing this? The simple answer is that students need to develop practical skills of what a lawyer actually does in practice. One of the first things that lawyers learn to do is to interview clients. This is an example of authentic learning. Although many of you may not become lawyers the skill of interviewing (which is really just asking a person a series of structured questions) is relevant to many different jobs. Therefore the skills are transferable to many contexts.
Instructions on how to complete the Client Interviewing Exercise
The exercise is to be completed in three stages:
- Get into a group: Students will nominate a team of three by 27 March in default of which unallocated students will be assigned into teams. On moodle behind the assessment tab you will find a link where you can select a group. Ideally, it would be best if you consulted with other students before you put your name down in a group. Use the moodle discussion site to find group members.
- Conduct the three interviews on or before the 15 May
- Written reflection due for submission on or before the 22May.
Marking Rubric
(Reference see: Assessment rubrics | The University of Edinburgh)
Criteria |
High Distinction Excellent 85-100% |
Distinction Very good 75-84% |
Credit Good 65-74% |
Pass Satisfactory 50-64% |
Fail poor <50> |
Clarity, Presentation and Communication - 5 marks |
The language is advanced and sophisticated. There are almost no errors of expression. |
The language is clear. The reflection is easy to read and follow. There are few errors of expression. |
Language is generally clear but there are some parts which are hard to read. There are errors of expression which are minor but frequent. |
Language is not clear but it is still readable with some significant errors of expression. |
Language and grammar is unclear and confusing throughout. This makes the work hard to read and understand. Did not proofread/edit. |
Reflection/Analysis - 15 marks |
Addresses all of the content in a comprehensive way. Supporting material is appropriately referred to throughout displaying a thorough/ excellent knowledge of the material. |
Addresses all of the content in a thorough way. Supporting material is appropriately referred to throughout displaying a very good knowledge of the material. |
Addresses all of the content outlined in the instructions. Comments are adequate and the supporting material is generally referred to appropriately. There are some errors or omissions. |
Made an attempt to address the content outlined in the instructions. However it was superficial in major parts. Does not refer to any of the supporting material. Alternatively referred to one or two references. |
Does not address the content outlined in the instructions. Where the content is addressed it is superficial. |
The Three interviews
Students will form into teams of three (either self-nominated or assigned). One student will play the role of a client, another the interviewer and the third student will be an observer. The process will be repeated three times by the group using different interview scenarios, enabling each group member to play each respective role. Each interview should take 15-20 minutes to complete. It is suggested that the three interviews be conducted in one hour-long session. Students are to record the session on zoom. Share the recording with all group members. You do not need to submit the recording. It is kept for your own purpose so that you can go back to it when you are completing the written reflection. The unit coordinator will email you with your role in each interview and the supporting confidential information. Students must not exchange these instructions. This is important to ensure that the interview is as close to an authentic experience as possible.
Written reflection 1500 words (this is what you submit to moodle)
Each student will be graded on their written reflection of their experience as an observer. After e-submitting the reflections, as a single pdf document, students will then exchange them with the other members of their group. The written reflection should not exceed 1500 words.
