Written by Ali Panchoo, experienced Senior Marketing Executive and content writer at Qredible.co.uk with a demonstrated history of working in the legal services industry.
Law is in practice for decades all over the world. The United States has the most number of laws in the world. Moreover, new rules and regulations are always put in place to manage the millions of people in the country. Without proper law practices, it can be extremely challenging to govern a country successfully.
Several thousand individuals enter law schools each year, hoping to become top lawyers. It is a career path which many people look up to with respect. If you dream of succeeding in law, you already know the immense hard work and dedication you need.
When succeeding in any practice, knowing some practical tips is always helpful. If you are looking to grow in your law career, here are ten useful advice to help you in your new career.
1. Attention To Detail
One of the pivotal aspects of a lawyer is their observation skills and attention to detail. You can never hope to be a good lawyer if you are not aware of your surroundings. However, attention to detail does not only apply to your surroundings and people around you.
You always need to be at the top of your game, sharp as a tack- if you want to be successful as a lawyer. When going through any case, document, or even during a verbal conversation, it pays well to be observant. Not only to words but also body language, non-verbal cues, etc. This is one of the top skills which you must have as a lawyer to be successful.
2. Problem Solving Skills
Typically, as a lawyer, you will find numerous problems of varying nature in front of you. It is your job to creatively solve the issues without feelings of frustration, anger, or hopelessness. Keeping your brain active and taking part in creative problem-solving activities will help you apply this aspect to your career as well.
You will often have to think outside the box and develop creative solutions on a case to case basis. Practicing these skills outside your job can help you sharpen them.
3. Working Under Pressure
In no way is a lawyers job an easy one. It is one of the most stressful careers you can opt for. However, the appeal of helping people, solving big problems for organizations, and making a big career out of it is why people still opt for it.
Working as a lawyer will be extremely stressful. It requires you to be on your toes at all times and work under intense pressure. Practicing this skill is useful, as you will inevitably find yourself in stressful situations at work.
Furthermore, you should be not only able to work under pressure, but also be able to work with tight deadlines with positive outcomes. The amount of hard work you put in will hardly matter if you do not win your cases.
4. Communication Skills
The ability to communicate eloquently and articulately is one of the most important skills you can have as a lawyer. Of course, it is imperative to practice this skill and better it overtime frequently. As a new lawyer, you should take upon more cases and learn how to communicate well with your clients. This way, you will have a deeper understanding of each case and also be able to explain your points eloquently to the judge.
5. Commercial Awareness
Being commercially aware is one of the most important attributes you need to have as a new lawyer. This means always being at the top of your game- knowing precisely what is going on in the outside world. You should have a deep understanding and knowledge not only about current developments in your city, state, or country but the rest of the world.
Moreover, you should also regularly update yourself on the news pertinent to law, lawyers, and clients. Any new cases are essential and you should study up on them, understand them deeply, and speak on them.
6. Be Proactive
A new lawyer should be proactive and take the initiative whenever possible. Sitting back idly and waiting for clients to come to you is not the way to go about this field. Learn to identify problems and bring up solutions independently without waiting for the person to poke or prod you.
This approach is ‘active cross-selling.’ It is not only immensely popular, but it also creates mutual trust and understanding with your clients.
7. Learn From The Best
In the field of law, there is no better learning than to take help from your seniors. It is vital to identify potential mentors early on and pursue them. They will be able to guide and advise you and help you learn the ropes efficiently.
8. Networking
As it is evident in the previous point, taking active help from others is beneficial to your career. It is essential to build a broad network as a new lawyer. It will help you get in touch with eminent personalities who can help you in your career. Furthermore, it can also help you get in touch with potential clients and solicitors who you can work with in the future.
Without having your name out there, no one will be aware of your existence or your skills. It is essential to market yourself well while networking.
9. Self-Confidence
In this field, self-confidence is vital. You are not only a public speaker but a mentor, a therapist, and a guide for your clients. If you do not portray self-confidence, there is no reason for your clients, or even the judge to trust your words. If you feel the need to, you can even attend public speaking seminars, which will teach you just how to use this skill well.
10. Teamwork
You are never working on your own when you are a lawyer. More often than not, you will have a team of people working for the same client. To do your job well, you have to learn how to work as a team. It is essential to work with different kinds of people and all levels of the hierarchy to succeed in this career.
Becoming a lawyer is not easy; however, it doesn’t have to be impossible as well. With these ten practical tips, you will be able to succeed in your field in no time.