Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee Intrascholastic Client Counseling Competition

Second- and third-year students may compete in the annual Naman Howell Smith & Lee Intrascholastic Client Counseling Competition.

The competition helps students develop practical interviewing and client counseling skills. Students learn to discuss issues such as confidentiality, fees, engagement letters, conflicts of interest, professional conduct, litigation procedures, and alternative dispute resolution.

In each round, teams of two students interview and counsel a “new client” whose legal problem is not revealed in advance.

Judges evaluate each team on its ability to connect with the client, gather relevant information, and identify possible legal and non-legal options. Students must consider the client’s goals, explain available options clearly, and respond to the client’s questions and concerns.

Lawyers and counselors who serve as judges provide feedback and advice to the competitors. The top teams advance to the semifinal and final rounds. Participants may also be selected to represent Baylor Law in the Regional Client Counseling Competition.