The Most Important Skills That All Lawyers Should Have

By Staff Reporter Sep 08, 2020 11:29 AM EDT

Have you ever considered a career as a lawyer? More people than ever before are transforming their careers and diving into the legal world, but what does it take to be a lawyer? What kind of skills do you need?

Of course, studying to become a lawyer takes years of dedication and patience. And although attorneys never really stop learning, if you're serious about becoming a thriving lawyer, you're going to need to develop a certain kind of skill set to ensure you stand yourself apart from your legal competitors and ultimately, win cases for your clients.

So, what are the most important skills that all lawyers should have? Read on to find out more.

Respect and empathy

Being a lawyer isn't all about being organized and having the ability to recite local laws and legislation at the drop of a hat. Being able to empathize with your clients is what will set you apart from your competitors.

If you're handling a personal injury case like an Indianapolis car accident lawyer for example, where the victim has been involved in a car accident that wasn't their fault, can no longer work, is disabled and has lost all their independence, then empathizing with their situation can help you to get the best outcome possible for the victim and their family.

Teamwork

A lawyer doesn't always work on their own. They may call on other legal colleagues and those with experience in certain lawsuits to help build a case and be a step closer to a positive result. Being able to actively listen, take on advice and work as part of a team is absolutely essential.

Problem-solving

Again, being a lawyer is so much more than just knowing rules and regulations, it also requires the ability to problem-solve effectively. The solution to your client's case and getting the result they need might be hidden down all kinds of avenues that you haven't thought of yet. The key could be in witness statements, in evidence, or in a completely different argument. Effective problem solving comes with experience and time, it's not something you can necessarily master in law school.

Good writing skills

Being able to communicate is an essential skill for any aspiring lawyer. However, that doesn't just apply to the courtroom. And as for writing letters, drawing up contracts, sending emails and connecting with other legal professionals is part of your working day, it's clear that good written communication skills are vital. Thankfully, spelling, grammar and tone are easy to build on and develop over time.

Being able to handle the pressure

Tight deadlines, a high-pressure working environment, fast turn around times and handling highly-emotive cases. Being able to cope with all of these elements and remain calm and focused is a skill all lawyers need. The most effective lawyers can manage their time efficiently and know how to prioritize various tasks.