News 2017: Law students advance to semi-finals at ABA Client Counseling Competition

UMass Law team competes in four rounds and advances to semi-finals in regional ABA Client Counseling Competition focused on privacy law

Second-year law students Katelyn Golsby and Mary McBride competed in the regional ABA Client Counseling Competition in February.  Hosted by Boston University Law School, the competition among law students centered on client interviewing and advising with respect to privacy law. 

The simulated client interviews covered issues arising from drones, medical records, electronic data, and online education.  After three rounds on the first day of competition, Golsby and McBride advanced to the semi-final round the following day.  In the semi-final round, they tackled a problem involving a teenager whose drone allegedly trespassed on his neighbor's property.  The team made a strong showing but was edged out of the final round.

"We gained invaluable and practical skills through this experience," McBride said.  "I feel much more comfortable and prepared for the prospect of interviewing real clients."

Golsby and McBride prepared for the competition by researching current issues in privacy law and practicing simulated client interviews.  For practice, classmates volunteered to serve as clients, and faculty to serve as judges.

"In preparing for the competition, our practice rounds built our confidence and competence going into the competition, and we were able to appreciate it as a skill-building exercise," Golsby said.

The team was advised by Julie Cahill, an attorney and the Law School's director of student engagement and professional development.

I feel much more comfortable and prepared for the prospect of interviewing real clients.