Client Communication & Interviews Flashcards
7 cards from real CP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Client Communication & Interviews flashcards as text
When a paralegal schedules an initial client interview, which logistical consideration is most important to address first?
Answer: Identifying whether an interpreter is needed for a client with limited English proficiency
Identifying language needs before the interview ensures effective communication and accurate information gathering from the outset.
A client becomes emotionally distressed mid-interview and begins crying. The most appropriate paralegal response is to:
Answer: Pause, acknowledge the client's feelings, and offer a brief break
Acknowledging emotions and offering a break demonstrates empathy and helps stabilize the client so the interview can continue productively.
Which type of question is most effective for obtaining a narrative account of events from a client?
Answer: Open-ended questions that invite the client to explain in their own words
Open-ended questions allow clients to provide a full narrative without being guided toward a particular answer.
A paralegal receives a phone call from a client asking for a legal opinion about whether to accept a settlement offer. The paralegal should:
Answer: Explain that only the attorney can provide a legal opinion and offer to relay the message
Giving legal opinions constitutes the unauthorized practice of law, which paralegals are prohibited from engaging in.
During a client interview, the paralegal notices the client's account contradicts documents in the file. The correct approach is to:
Answer: Gently ask clarifying questions to allow the client to explain the inconsistency
Non-confrontational clarifying questions allow the client to address inconsistencies without damaging rapport or assuming bad faith.
A client contacts the paralegal via text message and shares sensitive personal information about their case. The paralegal should:
Answer: Advise the client of the security risks of unencrypted messaging and follow office communication protocols
Clients should be informed of the confidentiality risks associated with unencrypted communications and guided toward secure channels.
When documenting a client interview, which practice best protects the integrity of the record?
Answer: Recording exact quotes and observations contemporaneously during the interview
Contemporaneous, verbatim documentation is most accurate and reliable as a legal record.