“In a profession which relies on words, it is interesting that communication is one of the issues most complained about by clients” NSW Legal Profession Advisory Council Discussion Paper on Lawyers’ Communication Skills
This course is designed to highlight the problems caused by poor communication. It explores a number of techniques for preventing these problems from happening. It examines the rules of professional conduct as they relate to communications and it assists the practitioner in developing skills for handling new and existing clients.
The course is divided into two modules. Each module is a 3 hour programme (09.30 – 12.30 or 14.00 – 17.00). It is designed for up to 10 delegates. It is a mixture of short presentations, group exercises and feedback and discussion sessions. It is accredited for 3 CPD hours.
§ The duty of communication; § Communication problems; § Client expectations; § Problem clients; § Problem files; and § Delay. By the end of this course delegates should be: § Understanding the duty of communicating to a client; § Recognising and tackling communication problems before they grow; § Managing a client’s expectations; and § Avoiding delay.Topics Covered
Learning outcomes
Module Two - £395 plus VAT
This course is the second part of Managing Client Relations. It covers techniques in communicating effectively and how to organise a practice to avoid or manage problems in communicating with clients. The course explores the issues raised by Rule 2 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007.
Topics Covered
§ Practice organisation;
§ Effective communication;
§ The retainer;
§ Costs;
§ The Legal Services Ombudsman; and
§ The Solicitors’ Code of Conduct.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course delegates should be:
§ Organising a practice to avoid or manage problems;
§ Communicating effectively;
§ Starting and ending the retainer correctly; and
§ Understanding the communication provisions of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct.