ABSTRACT
When you have asked an open question, do give the client the opportunity to think, rather than following it up immediately with another question. Provided that you have created the right atmosphere in the initial stages of the interview, the client should respond freely to open questions and not feel reluctant or inhibited. The lawyer’s task is to listen attentively and avoid the temptation to interrupt at this point, even if the client is rambling or unstructured, or questions leap to mind in order to clarify points.
