Client interviewing

Students compete as pairs of solicitors interviewing a client (fellow student). Interviewing applies the use of legal knowledge to an everyday situation, it is a great a way of discovering how the law works in practice as well as theory.

“I would encourage anyone that is even thinking about being a solicitor to enter the internal competition, you could go a long way. Since this competition, I also feel more confident in many aspects of life. Keele has provided many opportunities to me over the 3 years. Grasp these chances and make the most of them whilst you can!”

 Zac Morris. Graduate 2018

 (Winner Internal Competition 2017/18 and winner of the CIC Northern Regional Heat 2018)  

Students find that the competition is a valuable addition to their CV, a mark of merit on an application form, or interesting subject to discuss in interviews for work placements and jobs. Over undergraduate 50 students participated in the 2018/19 competition, which is held over a number of rounds. 3 teams made it to the final in December 2018, judged by practitioners from local solicitors firms. 

Pictured (L-R) are visiting Judges Eve Lakin, Callum Morris, students Jack Wadsworth, Margarita Llabres Diaz, Nabeel Mirza, Bushra Jalil, Kian Hearnshaw, Head of School Professor Alison Brammer, Ematice Mokhtari and Dan Walton.

“It is vital that students take part in as many opportunities as possible whilst completing their law degrees.Law is a competitive industry and the ability to demonstrate your commitment to the profession at the academic stage of training is increasingly an expectation held by employers.

Keele law students are fortunate to be afforded a variety of opportunities to ensure that they are 'work place ready' and taking part in the annual client interviewing competition, in particular, enables students to develop their professional skill set in a truly safe yet realistic environment.

Having secured a place in the semi finals of the annual competition back in 2014, I know first hand how valuable participation is and how employers view such extra curricular engagement. I strongly urge all students to take part.”

Adam Mayer
Commercial Property Lawyer
www.nowellmeller.co.uk