Discussion Post
Topic: Role of a Paralegal - Client Interview
In this video segment - Interviewing a Client. Attorney Saunders has to leave the room and Paralegal Alicia takes over the initial client interview. She asks some compound questions (what, place, and time) and she doesn't ask any open-ended questions to let the client just tell his story. He says he had to go to the emergency room, but she doesn't ask how he was hurt. How can the lawyer assess the number of damages in this case? Then, in response to the question "Do I have a case?" Alicia says "I think so". Incorporate the following questions into your Packback discussion:
a) Do you think the client understood who was qualified to practice law and who was not in this scene?
b) Do you think Alicia responded properly when asked by the client if he had a case?
c) What do you think of Alicia's interviewing skills?
d) When are open-ended questions appropriate?
e) Do you think Alicia gathered enough information for the lawyer to make an informed decision about the client's case?
f) What other questions would you have asked?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.