SQE2 Client Interviewing & Attendance Notes 3

Question 1

In an SQE2 client interview, closing the meeting should include:

Accepted Answer

Summarising next steps and confirming the client's instructions

Answer

Closing an interview effectively involves summarising what has been agreed, confirming next steps and ensuring the client leaves with a clear understanding of the process ahead.

Question 2

A prospective client reveals during an initial interview that the matter involves potential money laundering. The solicitor should:

Accepted Answer

Conduct customer due diligence (CDD) and consider reporting to the MLRO

Answer

Where money laundering is suspected, the solicitor must conduct enhanced CDD and must report to the firm's MLRO under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Money Laundering Regulations.

Question 3

A file note differs from a formal attendance note in that a file note:

Accepted Answer

Records information from internal communications or document reviews rather than client meetings

Answer

File notes capture internal events such as research findings, telephone calls to opponents or document reviews, while attendance notes record meetings with clients.

Question 4

If a client insists on taking a course of action the solicitor believes is unwise but lawful, the solicitor should:

Accepted Answer

Advise fully of the risks, record those advice discussions and follow the client's lawful instructions

Answer

A solicitor must respect client autonomy; after giving clear advice about risks, the solicitor must follow lawful instructions, recording the advice given in case of future dispute.

Question 5

The purpose of paraphrasing during a client interview is to:

Accepted Answer

Confirm understanding, demonstrate active listening and allow the client to correct any misunderstanding

Answer

Paraphrasing restates what the client has said in the solicitor's own words, checking accuracy, demonstrating engagement and prompting further disclosure.

SQE2 Practice Test

SQE2 Practice Test

SQE2 Client Interviewing & Attendance Notes 3