Client Counseling

Challenging competition

The competition challenges students to apply what they have learned to situations they will be confronted with in practice.

Note: There is usually little outside work required. Expect to think and act on your feet.

What to expect

• The Client Counseling Competition is open to all students.
• The intra-school portion of the competition takes place in the fall to determine which students will represent Gonzaga School of Law at regionals in the spring.
• This competition challenges students to apply what they have learned to situations they will be confronted with in practice. 
• During this competition, students work in pairs and participate in a simulated interview situation with a potential client who is experiencing some legal problems 
• The competition demonstrates how important it is for lawyers to provide appropriate advance counsel to their clients and to be able to combine their legal knowledge with a sensitive, empathetic approach.
• Traditionally, many first-year students have participated and have done well.
• The competition demonstrates how important it is for lawyers to provide appropriate advance counsel to their clients and to be able to combine their legal knowledge with a sensitive, empathic approach.

Before the competition

• A seminar is held before the competition begins to discuss client interviewing techniques and provide general information regarding the competition itself.
• All students are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting, regardless whether or not they have selected a partner.

At the competition

• During the competition, students working in pairs participate in a simulated interview with a client who is experiencing problems.
• The students must interview the client, identify his or her problems, and provide appropriate advice.
• The client's problems are similar to those dealt with by attorneys in a general practice
• Competition events last between two and five successive nights over a one-week period.
• Each team participates in at least two rounds.

After the competition

Winners advance to the regional competition and, if they win there, may go on to the national and international competitions.

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