Competency Questionnaire
by Kiele Linroth Pace
Client: _____________________________________	Date: _________________________	

Ultimate Issue

Whether the client has sufficient present ability to consult with his attorney with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him.

Client Interview

This script is merely a model or starting point. If the client doesn’t know the answer to a legal question, try explaining the answer then circling back to gauge comprehension.

1.	How are you feeling today?

2.	
Do you know who I am? Do you understand what my role is?
(There’s not a single right answer but if the client understands that the attorney’s basic role is to help the client resolve the criminal case, that’s probably sufficient.)

3.	Do you know what you’re charged with?

4.	Can you explain what that means?

5.	What do you think will happen if you’re found guilty?

If the client does well with these basic questions, try moving on to a discussion of plea bargain negotiation, pretrial litigation, and trial. Complete the next section as soon as possible after concluding the interview with the client.

Post-Interview Questions for Attorney

		Strongly	Mildly	Neutral or	Mildly	Strongly
		Agree	Agree	Uncertain	Disagree	Disagree
	SCALE:	1	2	3	4	5
Client seems rational.	1	2	3	4	5
Client communicates effectively.	1	2	3	4	5
Client provides relevant information.	1	2	3	4	5
Client responds to questions in a reasonably rational manner.	1	2	3	4	5
Client seems to understand the charges.	1	2	3	4	5
Client seems to grasp the basics of the attorney-client relationship.	1	2	3	4	5
Client seems to comprehend and respond to instructions and advice.	1	2	3	4	5
Client expresses him or herself in a manner that you can follow and	1	2	3	4	5
understand.
Client seems to understand what’s going to happen in court and at trial.	1	2	3	4	5
Client seems to understand the choices that he or she will be called upon	1	2	3	4	5
to make.
Client exhibited no paranoid delusions, e.g., that you’re working with the	1	2	3	4	5
prosecution behind his or her back.
Client exhibited no problems with impulse control.	1	2	3	4	5

Additional Comments / Concerns