Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the organization of ICCC 2023?
The finals of the International Client Consultation Competition are hosted and organized by a country which has offered to host the competition and whose hosting has been approved by the International Committee. The 2023 Finals will be hosted in Maastricht, the Netherlands, stepping in for Ukrain.

Where will ICCC 2023 be held?
The ICCC 2023 will be held in the Faculty Buildings of the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University, the Netherlands (Bouillonstraat 3 and Kapoenstraat 2, Maastricht). Some of the events will take place in other venues close to the Faculty Building.

Who can participate in ICCC 2023?
All participating countries are eligible to enter one team composed of two law students. The two law students should be enrolled in an undergraduate law degree/practical legal training program at the time of their national selection. No member of the winning team in one year of the competition may re-enter the competition in any other year. However, teams or their members who do not win the competition may re-enter in another year.

How will each team be selected?
Each country may select its team in any way it chooses. Since only two students may represent a country in the competition, countries are encouraged to select their team by holding a competition.

How many members are there in a team?
Each team will consist of two (2) law students and a coach.

What does ICCC 2023 involve?
ICCC 2023 simulates a law office consultation in which two law students, acting as lawyers (attorneys/solicitors/legal practitioners), are confronted with a new client.They conduct an interview with a person playing the role of that client and then explain how they would proceed further in the hypothetical situation. Students conduct the simulated interviews in teams of two in order to provide mutual assistance and support in researching, planning and conducting the interview. There is the added benefit of encouraging students to work co-operatively. The interviewers are given a brief memorandum which identifies the general nature of the subject-matter of the client's problem (e.g., that a client wants advice about a problem arising from the construction of a house, or that the client is facing a shoplifting charge) about a week before the interviews are held.

What are student teams expected to do?
Students are expected to elicit the relevant information from the client, explore with the client his or her preferred outcome, outline the nature of the problem, and present the client with a means (or range of alternatives, if appropriate) for solving the problem. Up to 30-40 minutes is allowed for the consultation with the client.This is followed by a post-consultation period of 5-15 minutes during which the students summarize the interview and discuss the legal and other work to be undertaken, including the legal issues to be researched and possibly the recording of a file memorandum.

How about the discussion of fees?
The discussion of fees is an integral part of any first consultation between a lawyer and a client. Students should be judged on how they approach this problem, but not on the amount used. Special policies (like first interview is free) are allowed. The participants may discuss fees at any appropriate point in the consultation.

Will the accommodation and travel costs be met?
Unfortunately, we would not be able to cover travel and accommodation expenses and we encourage teams to seek sponsorship from sources within their own country to meet these expenses. Nevertheless, check with the Student Committee whether cheap lodging is being offered by Maastricht students.

What problem will be set?
The memoranda will be released in the manner described.

What are the rules of the competition?
The rules of ICCC 2023 can be downloaded on www.brownmosten.com. Be aware that these rules may be updated not long before the competition.

Who will be judging the competition?
The interviews last about 45 minutes and are evaluated by a panel of usually three judges, composed of two lawyers and a counselor. The inclusion of a counselor (e.g., a social or welfare worker, psychologist, minister or other person with extensive experience in client interviewing) on the judging panel is intended to broaden the perspectives of the panel both in terms of skills and possible solutions to a problem.

Can teams expect prizes?
The winners’ names are inscribed on the Louis M Brown Forest S Mosten plaque awarded as the competition trophy. The winners will (probably) also receive prizes donated by the International Bar Association.

Where can I obtain more information on the competition?
The competition's website can be found on www.brownmosten.com. Client interviewing is the subject of www.clientinterviewing.com.