M2 - Learner Manual

4.2. Preparing client statement

If you are tasked with gathering information from a client, it is best to clearly type this information. You should approach the task by allowing the client to give a full narrative in their own words. Capture the words of the client in the document. Once the client has had a chance to tell the story, try to identify any gaps that might exist and ask open questions to prompt the client to give further information about those issues, if they can.

It is best if the client’s account of events can be put into chronological order. This will assist the lawyer to understand the sequence of events. If appropriate, you could use headings. For example, you might use dates as headings. In a case, for example, involving an illegal arrest by police, the following headings may assist:   Events leading up to arrest, Client’s account of what happened when arrested, what followed the arrest, Impact of the arrest on the client. Thinking about the framework of the interview by considering the topics you wish to cover, will ensure you address the necessary issues to understand the client’s case and effectively document the information for the legal representative.

If the document is a statement by the client, at the end of the conference, print the document, date it and ask the client to sign it as a record. You should also sign the document and clearly print your name on it as a record that you assisted in the preparation of the document. A copy should be placed on the file and ask the legal practitioner if it is appropriate to provide a copy to the client.