A prestigious international debating competition kicks off today at Blackhall Place.

The Brown-Mosten International Client Consultation Competition will involve law students and faculty members from all around the world competing in this international competition, focused on the crucial skill of interviewing and counselling clients.

The contest simulates an initial consultation with a new client in which two law students are presented with a client matter and are required to elicit the relevant information from the client, explore the client’s preferred outcomes, outline the nature of the problem and present the client with a means (or range of alternatives, if appropriate) for resolving the problem.

Actor

The role of client is played by an actor.

A panel of judges – comprised of both lawyers and non-lawyers – oversees the consultation. The theme for 2019 is theft.

The competition provides an exciting opportunity for law students to learn and practice the planning, analytical, interviewing and advising skills so vital in developing sound solicitor-client relationships.

The competition will run from today until Saturday 6 April.

Claudine O'Driscoll of Arthur Cox and Geraldine Flaherty of Everyday Finance DAC​, coached by former winner Conor Cawley of Flynn O'Driscoll, will be representing Ireland.