17 Skills of Successful Lawyers

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Offline Shabrina Akter

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17 Skills of Successful Lawyers
« on: June 12, 2017, 09:53:32 PM »
Self-direction and self-motivation – Steve Cozen, Robert Grey and Alan Treleaven all agreed that these traits are critical in the success of lawyers, primarily in their professional work, but also in identifying which of their personal skills and knowledge could be improved. Not only do you need to be able to keep yourself moving, you need to know what you need to work on. Alan Treleaven mentioned the importance of being able to self-identify your changing learning needs, as all lawyers’ needs are unique and likely to be constantly changing.

Commitment to lifelong learning – According to panelist Pat Nester, Executive Director of Texas Bar CLE, an excellent lawyer must take advantage of opportunities to improve her knowledge and skills to improve the quality of their practice. Lifelong learning has immense value to your clients and partners. Nester spoke of “a solemn oath to stay abreast of all things that will impact your practice.”

Effective communication – Communication skills in practice go far beyond the basics. According to Steve Cozen, founder of Cozen O’Connor, you need skills training in negotiation, interviewing and investigation to be successful.
Study of the techniques of persuasion – Pat Nester stated that these skills are imperative in taking the facts of law and molding it into a persuasive case. A superior understanding of these techniques could be what sets you apart from your competitors.

Analytical thinking – Boston University Law School Dean Maureen O’Rourke pointed out that the traditional goal of analytical thinking must be augmented with practical skills. As noted by several panelists, many of the analytical thinking skills are traditionally the focus of law school studies, but many law schools are now adding experiential training to better round out the skill sets of graduates.
Resilience – Dean O’Rourke mentioned “resilience and unflappability” as some of the personal characteristics that cannot be taught in law school, but are key traits of successful lawyers. Successful attorneys need to be able to stay strong…and bounce back.

Integrity – Clorox’s Senior Vice President-General Counsel, panelist Laura Stein, mentioned integrity and upholding the values of the profession as critical components of success in law practice. Stein stated compellingly, “We are upholding access to justice.”
Strategic thought about the needs of clients – Steve Cozen added to the list that the best lawyers think strategically about what is really best for their client, and mentioned that what is best for the client may not always be the result that attorneys are hired to fight for.

Leadership – Robert Grey, former President of the American Bar Association, said that leadership in the community is a key point of training by the Council on Legal Diversity. He commented that, “We want all of our lawyers to respect the idea that as a profession we have the responsibility to give back to our community.”

Skill in problem solving – Laura Stein added this to the list, stating that lawyers needs to be able to help their clients reach pragmatic solutions. She advocated for a practical, “let’s-focus-on-the-what-the-issue-is” approach to problem-solving with clients.
Ability to work in groups – All of our panelists agreed that, in today’s environment, it is imperative that attorneys have the skills needed to work in groups. Legal issues are becoming increasingly complex, which often requires the efforts of a team of lawyers. Steve Cozen added, “I want you to understand that what you do is not who you are – what you do is something greater, something larger…you are a part of something larger as a lawyer.”

Project management – As the complexity of cases continues to increase, the ability to effectively manage projects is a must. Maintaining a big picture perspective, while managing the details and sticking to a timeline, requires a skill set that is not often considered when reflecting on the work of attorneys.

Trust-building – Panelists Stein and Grey also discussed the critical importance of trust building skills in attorneys. In order to be successful, the ability to build trust among your clients, peers and business partners in paramount.

Accountability – Accountability goes beyond just being accountable personally. There is a definite business need for lawyers to be accountable to those they work with, work for, and represent. Without accountability, long term success becomes a more difficult goal.
Financial literacy – Stein and Dean O’Rourke spoke about the imperative need for financial literacy, with Dean O’Rourke adding that a course in “business fundamentals” should be added to law school curriculum to better prepare lawyers for success in the business world. A real and holistic understanding of how businesses work will only make you more valuable as a lawyer to your clients, your colleagues, and your employers.

Risk management – Learn the ability to manage and mitigate risk for yourself, your business, and your clients. According to Laura Stein, this means always being compliant and keeping your clients compliant. Lawyers need to have the skills and emotional intelligence to counsel their clients on risk.

Understanding the unique role of our profession to uphold the rule of law – Robert Grey, Partner at Hunton & Williams, VA, emphasized the need to consistently meet the highest standards of conduct and professionalism. Few other professions carry a comparable weight and ability to impact lives, businesses and finance as those who practice law. Your innate commitment to and respect for this responsibility should exist as the foundation of your career as a legal professional.

Source: http://www.pbi.org/now/17-skills-of-successful-lawyers-in-2015-pbi-town-hall-takeaways
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Shabrina Akter
Exam Officer
Daffodil International University (DIU)
E-mail: shabrina.exam@daffodilvarsity.edu.bd

Offline milan

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Re: 17 Skills of Successful Lawyers
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2017, 09:18:02 AM »
NICE POST!!
Milan Hossain
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Department of Civil Engineering
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Offline afrin.ns

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Re: 17 Skills of Successful Lawyers
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2018, 02:37:07 PM »
Thanks for sharing