SQE2 Client Interview 2

Question 1

When interviewing a client who wishes to make a will, which of the following should the solicitor specifically assess?

Accepted Answer

The client's testamentary capacity, knowledge and approval of the will's contents, and any potential undue influence

Answer

Only the client's financial assets

Answer

Whether the client has previously used the firm

Answer

The client's political views

Question 2

A client attends an interview accompanied by their adult child who frequently answers questions on the client's behalf. What should the solicitor do?

Accepted Answer

Politely request time alone with the client to ensure the instructions come from the client directly

Answer

Allow the adult child to continue answering as it saves time

Answer

Ask the adult child to provide written confirmation of the instructions

Answer

Accept the instructions from the adult child as an agent

Question 3

During a client interview about a commercial dispute, the client mentions they have relevant documents at their office. What should the solicitor advise?

Accepted Answer

Advise the client to preserve all relevant documents and not destroy, alter, or dispose of any materials that may be relevant to the dispute

Answer

Tell the client the documents are not important at this stage

Answer

Ask the client to summarise the documents verbally instead

Answer

Tell the client to send only the documents that support their case

Question 4

What does active listening involve during a client interview?

Accepted Answer

Listening attentively, using verbal and non-verbal cues, summarising, and asking clarifying questions

Answer

Interrupting the client to demonstrate understanding

Answer

Taking verbatim notes without making eye contact

Answer

Allowing the client to speak without any interaction

Question 5

A client in a criminal matter tells the solicitor during interview that they committed the offence but wants to plead not guilty. What are the solicitor's ethical obligations?

Accepted Answer

The solicitor cannot positively assert the client's innocence but can put the prosecution to proof and test the evidence

Answer

The solicitor must withdraw immediately from the case

Answer

The solicitor must inform the court of the client's admission

Answer

The solicitor must advise the client to plead guilty

Question 6

When discussing costs with a client during an initial interview, which of the following should the solicitor provide?

Accepted Answer

The best possible information about costs, including the basis of charges, likely total cost, and information about funding options

Answer

A vague estimate to avoid being held to a specific figure

Answer

No cost information until the case concludes

Answer

Only the hourly rate without any estimate of total costs