A law license wake-up call -- Law school curriculum: changes are coming -- Problem-solving attorneys and counselors -- Multiple hat-wearing problem solvers -- Building a bridge to a strong professional relationship with our clients -- The importance of communication -- The first pillar: let the clients know you are there to help them -- The second pillar: let the clients talk -- The third pillar: listen! -- The fourth pillar: try to understand the clients' stories -- The fifth and final pillar: take time to explain to the clients, in layman's terms, how the law applies to their problems -- Before the interview: dealing with "administrative items" -- Show your manners! you don't have to be best friends to still greet and welcome the client -- Roadmap! let the clients know where you are going with the interview -- Let's go on a fact-gathering hunt: listening to and understanding the client's story -- Trying to solve that word problem: using legal analysis to help solve the client's problem -- Shutting it down! closure is good, even in a client interview -- Training as an attorney and counselor: an introduction -- Be ready, genuine, and present -- Don't shut down the conversation from the get-go: open with open-ended questions -- This is not physical education, but practice active listening -- You've listened to the client's story. Make sure you got it right: summarize and reflect! -- I understand. You don't have to feel sorry for your clients to empathize -- The power of "I wonder".
