how to think like a attorney

by Kaylin Wuckert Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 5 min read

Become a word merchant. Lawyers are inherently competitive. They enjoy peppering everyday conversations with big words and thinly veiled insults.
Forecast the future and scenario plan. Thinking like a lawyer means preparation, planning and predicting (insofar as possible) the future. ...
Develop analytical and problem-solving skills. Analytical skills are central to the way lawyers solve problems and evaluate issues. ...
Remain objective. Lawyers are masters at removing emotion from everyday interactions. ...

Thinking like a lawyer means, in the first instance, thinking with care and precision, reading and speaking with attention to nuance and detail. It means paying attention to language, but also understanding that words can have myriad meanings and can often be manipulated.

Full Answer

What does it mean to "think like a lawyer"?

“to think like a lawyer” include other styles of thinking such as critical analysis, creative thinking and reflective practice (Field, et al., 2014). According to James (2012), analysis and evaluation are the crux of “critical analysis.”

What is it really like to be a lawyer?

Aug 27, 2016 · As lawyer Anne-Marie Slaughter expressed so eloquently, “thinking like a lawyer is thinking like a human being, a human being who is tolerant, sophisticated, pragmatic, critical, and engaged. It means combining passion and principle, reason and …

What being a lawyer is really like?

Thinking like a lawyer means combining realism with idealism. It means believing in the possibility and the desirability of both order and justice, and in the capacity of the law to help us achieve them. But it also means knowing the full range of human …

Why should you should become a lawyer?

Jan 12, 2011 · On the last day of class, my civil procedure professor, Helen Hershkoff, more aptly, in her inspirational manner, explained to us that learning to think like a lawyer involved being precise, prepared, skeptical, developing good judgment, and overall, realizing that we have been granted a great privilege that comes with great responsibility. When you attend NYU Law, you …

What makes you think you are a good lawyer?

What Makes a Good Lawyer? Common Traits of Successful Attorneys TodayPassion for the Job. As a starting point, successful lawyers almost always have a true passion for their job. ... Compassion for Clients. ... Great Communication Skills. ... Willingness to Listen. ... Knowledge of the Law. ... Strong Writing Ability. ... Creativity. ... Good Judgment.More items...•Jun 17, 2019

How do you think like a prosecutor?

3:0012:54Think Like a Lawyer | Adam Lange | TEDxGrinnellCollege - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're taught to avoid emotional reactions and distractions. Don't let a red herring take you offMoreYou're taught to avoid emotional reactions and distractions. Don't let a red herring take you off topic but focus on the logic the core of the issue.

What is a lawyer's personality?

Lawyers tend to be predominantly enterprising individuals, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others. They also tend to be investigative, which means that they are quite inquisitive and curious people that often like to spend time alone with their thoughts.

What makes a lawyer smart?

Lawyers appear to be very intelligent because they have legal knowledge and expertise. Years of experience have resulted in knowledge. To be a lawyer, you must be academically gifted, with the ability to learn and comprehend statutes and cases, as taught in law school.

How do I defend myself as a lawyer?

15 Ways to Argue Like a LawyerQuestion Everything and Everyone, Even Yourself. (via giphy.com) ... Open Your Ears Before You Open Your Mouth.Come Prepared.Try On Their Business Shoes. ... Trump Your Emotions with Reason. ... Don't Negotiate If You Have Nothing to Offer.Avoid the Straw Man. ... Use Their Strength Against Them.More items...•Sep 11, 2014

How do you talk to a lawyer?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•Aug 4, 2015

How do you know if you'd make a good lawyer?

You work well with others. That's right—being a lawyer means working with people! ... You can persuade others. The ability to persuade=the practice of law. ... You are independent and self-disciplined. ... You can endure the grind. ... You don't take things at face value. ... You must be able to network.Sep 9, 2019

What personality type are most lawyers?

According to a 1993 study conducted by Larry Richard, the most prevalent personality types for lawyers are:ISTJ (17.8 per cent)INTJ (13.1 per cent)ESTJ (10.3 per cent)ENTP (9.7 per cent)INTP (9.4 per cent)ENTJ (9.0 per cent)Jan 21, 2019

What are the interests of a lawyer?

Law (main motivation: serving and protecting society)applying rules and regulations.influencing people.legal matters.persuading people.protecting others.social justice.solving difficult situations.working with those who have lost direction.

Do lawyers have high IQ?

Some professionals, such as lawyers, exhibit high average IQ scores (in the 115-130 range), while at the same time scoring lower than the general population on EI (85-95).

Are lawyers happy?

Lawyers are one of the least happy careers in the United States. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, lawyers rate their career happiness 2.6 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 7% of careers.

Who is the most famous lawyer?

Famous Lawyers You Should KnowRobert Shapiro. Robert Shapiro is one of the best-known lawyers in American history. ... Thurgood Marshall. Thurgood Marshall was one of the most famous lawyers in American history. ... Woodrow Wilson. ... Johnnie Cochran. ... William Howard Taft. ... Andrew Jackson. ... Abraham Lincoln. ... Robert Kardashian.More items...

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about How to Think Like a Lawyer , please sign up .

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Nothing spectacular... this is common sense critical thinking nothing further.