CP Client Communication & Interviews 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a paralegal schedules an initial client interview, which logistical consideration is most important to address first?
- Determining the client's fee payment method
- Confirming the supervising attorney will be available to review notes afterward
- Identifying whether an interpreter is needed for a client with limited English proficiency (Correct answer)
- Selecting the conference room based on office availability
Correct 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.
Question 2: A client becomes emotionally distressed mid-interview and begins crying. The most appropriate paralegal response is to:
- Immediately end the interview and reschedule for another day
- Continue asking questions to complete the intake efficiently
- Pause, acknowledge the client's feelings, and offer a brief break (Correct answer)
- Transfer the client to the attorney to handle the emotional situation
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which type of question is most effective for obtaining a narrative account of events from a client?
- Leading questions that suggest the expected answer
- Closed-ended questions requiring yes or no responses
- Open-ended questions that invite the client to explain in their own words (Correct answer)
- Hypothetical questions about what might have happened
Correct 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.
Question 4: A paralegal receives a phone call from a client asking for a legal opinion about whether to accept a settlement offer. The paralegal should:
- Provide an opinion based on their own legal knowledge and experience
- Tell the client the offer sounds reasonable and to accept it
- Explain that only the attorney can provide a legal opinion and offer to relay the message (Correct answer)
- Research the issue and email the client a written analysis
Correct 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.
Question 5: During a client interview, the paralegal notices the client's account contradicts documents in the file. The correct approach is to:
- Ignore the discrepancy so as not to embarrass the client
- Confront the client accusatorially about lying
- Gently ask clarifying questions to allow the client to explain the inconsistency (Correct answer)
- Immediately report the contradiction to the court
Correct 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.
Question 6: A client contacts the paralegal via text message and shares sensitive personal information about their case. The paralegal should:
- Reply immediately with substantive legal analysis via text
- Forward the text chain directly to opposing counsel as requested
- Advise the client of the security risks of unencrypted messaging and follow office communication protocols (Correct answer)
- Delete the message and ask the client to call the office instead without explaining why
Correct 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.
Question 7: When documenting a client interview, which practice best protects the integrity of the record?
- Writing notes after the interview from memory to avoid distracting the client
- Recording exact quotes and observations contemporaneously during the interview (Correct answer)
- Summarizing only the facts that support the client's case
- Allowing the client to dictate the notes themselves
Correct answer: Recording exact quotes and observations contemporaneously during the interview
Contemporaneous, verbatim documentation is most accurate and reliable as a legal record.
CP Client Communication & Interviews 2
When a paralegal schedules an initial client interview, which logistical consideration is most important to address first?