Benin – The Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma in Edo, is to host the 10th edition of the Client Counseling Competition among Nigerian law students, according to a statement.
The statemen, signed by the AAU Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Akhigbe, was made available to newsmen on Monday in Benin.
It quoted Akhigbe as saying the three-day programme would hold between Dec. 4 and Dec. 7.
Akhigbe said the competition was aimed at promoting knowledge and interest among law students to develop interviewing, planning, analytical and preventive skills in their relationship with clients.
He noted that “it was assumed that lawyers have listening and questioning skills needed to conduct effective interview.
“Regrettably, not all lawyers have these skills.’’
The organising committee chairman said “the competition will also provide valuable educational and cultural interchange among students, law teachers and legal practitioners.
“The competition simulates a law office scene in which law students acting as lawyers, are presented with a client’s matter.
“The students will conduct interview with a person playing the role of a client and then explain how they will help to resolve the client’s matter.
“The students’ performance will then be assessed by a panel of two to three lawyers and other professionals who will act as judges.’’
The chiarman said that the law students would consequently be evaluated according to specific criterions that focus on listening, questioning, planning and analytical skills.
The national competition was affiliated to the Louise M. Brown International Client Consultation Competition.
It would provide winners with the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the international competition.
More than 11 universities across Nigeria had so far registered to participate in the competition. (NAN)