7/30/2019 10 Essential Lawyer Skills

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10 Essential Lawyer Skills

1. ORAL COMMUNICATION

Language is one of the most fundamental tools of the legal profession. Legalprofessionals must be able to:

- Convey information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.

- Communicate persuasively.

- Advocate a position or a cause.

- Master legal terminology.

- Develop keen listening skills.

2. CLIENT SERVICE

In the client-focused legal industry, serving the client honestly, capably and responsibly

is crucial to success. Legal professionals must master:

- Client needs assessment skills.

- Customer service skills.

- Client communication skills.

3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Writing is an integral function of nearly every legal position, from simple correspondence

to drafting complex legal documents. Legal professionals must:

- Master the stylistic and mechanical aspects of writing.

- Master the fundamentals of English grammar.

- Learn to write organised, concise and persuasive prose.- Draft effective legal documents such as motions, briefs, memorandums, resolutions and

legal agreements.

4. ANALYTICAL AND LOGICAL REASONING

Legal professionals must learn to review and assimilate large volumes of complex

information in an efficient and effective manner. The required legal analytical and logical

reasoning skills include:

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7/30/2019 10 Essential Lawyer Skills

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10 Essential Lawyer Skills

- Reviewing complex written documents, drawing inferences and making connections with

legal authorities.

- Developing critical thinking, organisation and problem-solving abilities.

- Structuring and evaluating arguments.

- Using inductive and deductive reasoning to draw inferences and reach conclusions.

5. LEGAL RESEARCH

Researching legal concepts, case law, judicial opinions, statutes, regulations and other

information is an important legal skill. Legal professionals must:

- Master legal research techniques.

- Learn how to locate and analyse legal authority.- Master the art of statutory interpretation.

- Learn proper legal citation.

- Master legal research software applications and Internet research.

6. TECHNOLOGY

Technology is evolving the legal landscape and has become an integral part of every

legal function. To remain effective in their jobs, legal professionals must:

- Master a variety of word processing, presentation, time billing and practice-related

software applications.

- Master communications technology including e-mails, voice messaging systems,

videoconferencing and related technology.

- Become familiar with electronic discovery, computerised litigation support and document

management software.

- Become proficient with legal research software and Internet research.

- Develop the technology related aptitude to make wise technological decisions.

7. KNOWLEDGE OF SUBSTANTIVE LAW AND LEGAL PROCEDURE

All legal professionals, regardless of career level, must have a basic knowledge of

substantive law and legal procedure which include:

- Local, state and federal court systems.

- Relevant filing deadlines.

- Fundamental principles of law in areas of practice.- Relevant legal terminology.

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7/30/2019 10 Essential Lawyer Skills

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10 Essential Lawyer Skills

8. TIME MANAGEMENT

In a profession based on the business model of billable hours which has direct

correlation with financial gain, legal professionals are under constant pressure toenhance productivity and therefore must develop:

- Superior multi-tasking skills.

- A strong work ethic.

- The ability to juggle competing priorities.

- The ability to meet tight deadlines.

- Calendar management skills.

9. TEAMWORK

Legal professionals do not work in a solitary profession. Practitioners must rely on

secretaries and support staff and team up with co-counsel, experts and vendors to

deliver legal services. Since the needs of the client may transcend the skills of one

attorney, one paralegal or one practice group, teamwork is essential to both individual

and organisational success. Required teamwork skills include:

- Collaborating with others to reach a common goal.- Coordinating and sharing of information and knowledge.

- Cultivating working relationships with colleagues, staff, clients, experts, vendors and such.

- Attending and participating in team events, meetings and conferences.

10. ORGANISATION

Legal professionals must be able to manage large volumes of data and documents,

which requires top-notch organisational skills that include:

- The ability to sort, order and manage large volumes of exhibits, documents, files,

evidence, data and other information.

- The ability to identify objectives, catalogue data and create an effective and organized

structure from massive amounts of unrelated information.

- The ability to use technology applications that assist in managing case-related data.

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