The Value of Experience in Legal Competence

Abstract:     
This article considers the importance of experience in providing competence for legal practitioners in the skill of client interviewing and counseling. Previous research carried out within a laboratory setting developed a system of assessment, which is used in this research to monitor the work of a number of lawyers across a range of experience carrying out real client interviews in their own offices. It is then possible to compare the performance of experienced practitioners against the inexperienced. Experience does not seem to enhance this form of competence beyond a threshold or basic level of attainment, although it does provide a level of confidence in one’s own ability. Experience needs to be worked with and reflected upon in order to make it useful in accruing competence. Training can assist with incorporating reflection into practice and this can take place in early training or in CPD for more senior staff.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 36

working papers series