What it takes to be a good lawyer

The need for a lawyer came from the need of individuals from all walks of life to have someone represent their interests in court. Over the years, this expanded to include not just representation in court but also problem-solving, contract drafting, policy advocacy, mediating and other avenues.

As the legal profession has evolved and expanded, so too have the skills associated with it.

Globalisation, changing socio-cultural trends and technological advancements have led to increased opportunities for both existing and future legal professionals.

Here is a list of skills required to pursue a career in law:

Critical reasoning: A lawyer needs to critically analyse and interpret a wide range of facts and legal provisions, and apply them to the specific circumstances of the situation at hand.

Critical reasoning and analytical reasoning skills help lawyers break down any situation into its component parts, apply complex and nuanced legal information and precedents, and develop arguments on behalf of their clients or their policy objectives.

Research and information analysis: Legal professionals are required to read and analyse lengthy texts and complex material to ascertain relevant and important information relating to their cases. The field of law is quite research intensive as the problems and scenarios keep on changing. A lawyer needs to master research techniques and information synthesis.

Problem-solving: The ability to identify and achieve effective and creative solutions to complex problems is one of the most important skills of a modern lawyer. From an advocate to an academician, every person associated with the field of law needs to ace the skill of creative problem-solving.

Effective communication: Advocates need to be both great listeners and great speakers. Effective and confident oratory skills; clear and concise writing and persuasive conversations are very important skills. Even for students not planning to pursue a career in courtroom litigation, good communication skills are vital in formulating arguments, opinions and thoughts. Good written communication skills are essential especially for lawyers involved in drafting agreements, case briefs, summaries, research analyses etc.

People skills: Interaction with clients, colleagues, judges, senior barristers and other brethren from legal fraternity forms an integral part of the legal profession. It is important to maintain constructive relationships with everyone involved, as the profession is community driven. Advocates need to make their clients comfortable to enable them to share the most intimate details.

Attention to detail: The solutions for a case lie in its details. A mere change of ‘and-or’ can turn the tables. This skill comes in handy when there are agreements/contracts to be drafted and analysed.

Persuasiveness: In layman terms, the job of a lawyer is to persuade the judge as well as their opponent. They need to put forth their opinions and viewpoints in a manner that the opposite party gets convinced.

Technological awareness: With the recent shift to online mode, court hearings, client meetings, board discussions are all happening virtually. Research, discovery, document review and factual analysis are increasingly happening online. A modern-day lawyer is required to be current with technology and innovative applications. Clients appreciate tech-savvy lawyers.

Socio-economic and political awareness: A lawyer needs to remain abreast of social, economic and political environment and changes therein. It enables legal professionals to remain effective and be successful in their careers.

These skills might seem overwhelming and intimidating seen together but they can be developed over the years.

If you have strengths in one or more of these skills today, it can be the foundation on which to build the others.

Through your legal education and practice, you will develop and master additional skills to become a successful legal professional.

(The author is with the Law School Admission Council)