what makes a good attorney

by Novella McLaughlin 6 min read

Five Traits of Great Lawyers

  1. Compassion: One of the Many Qualities of a Lawyer. Compassion is an emotional response whereby one perceives another’s problem and authentically, genuinely wants to help resolve the problem.
  2. Ability to Listen. Effective communication skills are essential to good lawyering. One of the most important aspects of communication is listening.
  3. Assertiveness, Not Aggressiveness. I often hear people say, “She’s not aggressive enough to be an effective lawyer.” That’s not right. ...
  4. Creativity. We need to be creative to find real solutions to the issues our clients face. ...
  5. Perseverance. Success is achieved with perseverance. We must keep working, keep trying and keep going. ...

Full Answer

What does it take to be a good attorney?

What makes a good lawyer is really up to each person. Communication and experience are good. But all options must pass the first hurdle

What are the qualities of a good attorney?

All lawyers must have certain skills in order to be a successful and, in turn, a good lawyer. So what differentiates a “lawyer” from a “good lawyer”? Here are the top 5 qualities of a good lawyer: responsiveness, analytical skills, good research skills, speaking skills, and listening skills.

What kind of Attorney makes the most money?

Sep 02, 2019 · Credibility, trustworthiness, and dedication are all traits of a good lawyer. You need to do more than exemplify them; you need to prove them to your clients. Use your website, in-person events, and every resource available to establish yourself. Once you do, your legal business will be in a much better position.

What to know before becoming a lawyer?

Jul 06, 2018 · Continued education and maintaining a high skillset are required of a good lawyer. In addition, every lawyer is responsible for adhering to the Rules, which includes abiding by rules regarding conflict of interests. Lawyers are deemed to have a special responsibility with respect to the quality of justice.

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What qualities make a good attorney?

Below are ten traits that are common to the best lawyers in the United States.Passion for the 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

What skills do you need to be a lawyer?

As you enter your career, there are several skills you'll want to develop as a lawyer, including:Analytical and research skills. ... Attention to detail. ... Organizational skills. ... Time management. ... Persuasive communication. ... Written communication skills. ... Interpersonal skills. ... Technical skills.More items...•Feb 22, 2021

What are the weaknesses of a lawyer?

WeaknessesSkills gaps.Poor work habits.Client development.Negative personal characteristics.Sep 16, 2019

What are the four responsibilities of lawyers?

DutiesAdvise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.More items...•Sep 8, 2021

What is a client portal?

Some attorneys use a legal technology platform that offers a client portal. That portal, much like a login to your email or the like, gives you 24/7 access to your matter. Your attorney can post notes to your matter, you can view documents, upcoming and past court dates, time spent, invoices, and more through the portal.

Do attorneys need to listen to you?

Yes, we all need to be better at listening. But, especially in your first conversation, pay special attention. There is a lot of information that can be conveyed without words. Multi-tasking, not focused on what you are saying, interrupting continuously, etc. are signs that the attorney may not be a great listener. Now, that isn't a deal breaker. Just make sure you are comfortable with their level of attentiveness.

Do attorneys practice law?

Yes, the attorney practices law (likely) every day. They are used to the process. But for you, it may be the first time. Decide what level of empathy you need. If it isn't a big deal to you, then take it off your list. But if it is, you need to get some feel for their level.

What are the qualities of a good lawyer?

Here are the top 5 qualities of a good lawyer: responsiveness, analytical skills, good research skills, speaking skills, and listening skills. 5. Analytical Skills – All lawyers should be able to look at any situation and analyze it from all points of view.

What skills do lawyers need?

2. Speaking Skills – All lawyers must be able to speak clearly and concisely. A lot of lawyers are comfortable in front of a large group of people, but they lack the ability to form a logical thought that gets his/her point across. Another aspect of speaking skills is to understand legal terminology.

What is responsiveness in law?

Responsiveness – This is a skill that not every lawyer has, which a lot of clients find out about quickly. All lawyers should respond to their clients, law partners, secretaries, and anyone else involved in a case.

What makes a good lawyer?

But the truth is, the traits that transform a good lawyer into a great lawyer may not be the ones you think. Here are five traits that make a lawyer — or any person — stand above the rest. Cultivating these traits provides the opportunity to really understand the issues and offer effective solutions. 1. Compassion: One of the Many Qualities of ...

What is the best way to be a lawyer?

Without it, you cannot provide the best solutions. 2. Ability to Listen. Effective communication skills are essential to good lawyering.

What are the skills required to become a lawyer?

2. Ability to Listen. Effective communication skills are essential to good lawyering. One of the most important aspects of communication is listening. Of course, what we say, how we say it and when we say it are important. But we can only do it right if we listen first.

What is compassionate lawyer?

The compassionate lawyer focuses on how others feel and is accepting of their perspective, whether or not he ultimately agrees with it. Compassion is the foundation for good people skills. Without compassion, you cannot put yourself in your client’s shoes or fully understand the issues your client faces.

Building Your Credibility

The perception of lawyers is that they’re skilled experts in their field. No one wants to hire a lawyer that has never been in the courtroom.

Personable and Trustworthy

Once you’ve proven your legitimacy and credibility, you should start getting clients. At this point, you need to start showing your client that you’re trustworthy.

Dedication

Another trait you need to highlight is your dedication to your craft. Legal work is challenging, and customers expect you to be a hard-worker.

Proving You Have the Qualities of a Good Lawyer

Credibility, trustworthiness, and dedication are all traits of a good lawyer. You need to do more than exemplify them; you need to prove them to your clients.

Represent Your Legal Business the Right Way

As a member of the legal community, it’s important to represent these qualities of a good lawyer. If you’re not, then you’re likely losing potential clients.

Why are awards important to lawyers?

An award presented to a lawyer is important because it signifies the lawyer’s commitment to the profession. It also gives other lawyers a chance to recognize their colleagues. In addition, certain awards advance the ideals of the profession with regard to quality of justice and equal access to the justice system. For example, the John Marshal Award honors a person who has made a positive national impact on the justice system. Further, the Alexander Award honors individuals who have aided minority students in entering the legal profession. Such recognition can help potential clients decide if a lawyer is a good fit for their legal issues.

What is a lawyer's role in the legal profession?

As an advisor, a lawyer educates clients of legal rights and obligations, and evaluates the implications of their legal matters. Good lawyers are not just advocates for their clients, but also negotiators and mediators. This means they seek results beneficial to their clients, but also ensure fair and honest dealings with all parties involved.

What is the best way to be a lawyer?

Every lawyer must be ready to work with agility to face and overcome any obstacles necessary to achieve his/her objectives. Possessing all these great qualities will make you stand out unique amongst your colleagues. So, take the time to develop yourself and make a different in your society. Advertising.

Why is it important to be a lawyer?

For you to be a successful lawyer enjoying a well-argued discussion with people is a good one, because this shows you are on the right track. This is one of the major characteristics a good lawyer must possess to success in the profession ; as a professional, you are expected to devote part your day to exposing certain fact related to your arguments for the benefit of your client.

What is the skill of a lawyer?

Persuasion is another skill a good lawyer must possess. Being able to develop this skill can make a difference not only when presenting the case, but also to “convince” the court about your client’s position So, if you are considering to be a good lawyer, you’d better start training your persuasiveness.

What is the virtue of a lawyer?

Persistence is synonymous to this profession and is another great virtue of a good lawyer; as a lawyer is never allowed to surrender. A successful lawyer must be willing to fight to the end to achieve your goals. As we know, all know failure is inevitable, but you will have to be prepared to stand up as many times you fall.

What is a card drop?

CardDrop is an awesome job hunting app that let’s you digitally drop and pick up virtual business cards. This app is great for helping you make new connections at seminars, interviews, meetings and conferences. You can also attach social media profiles to the cards you pick up or send to enable easier connecting on social networks.

Is there a job hunting app?

This job hunting app isn’t so much a job hunting app as it is a connections hunting app. It’s great for learning who’s who in your desired field and forming connections. It also shows you how you and your industry connections are connected via your social networks, so you can follow up with them on your other social sites.

What does it take to be a good lawyer?

A good lawyer or Advocate must have the capacity and ability to understand the topics in its deepest sense and essence form, in lightning speed to understand the numerous things simultaneously, the client, case, remedy, and justice he wishes to seek, or likewise.

What is the importance of writing skills in a lawyer?

Excellent writing skills assists and aids in making the position of the client and case, the marriage and fusion of both speaking and writing skills are invincible. In order to become a great lawyer or Advocate, tremendous writing skills are needed which are useful and beneficial while preparing the case arguments, briefs and other legal documents.

What are the duties of a lawyer?

D. Duties towards the Society 1 A lawyer or Advocate shall establish Legal Aid Societies for the purpose of rendering legal assistance to poor, underprivileged and indigenous person (s). 2 A lawyer or Advocate shall help the people, local bodies such as Panchayat in villages to function on sound lines, so that the people may discharge their functions in an enlightened and responsible manner. 3 A lawyer or Advocate shall provide legal education to the illiterate and working people by informing them for the rights and legal provisions in simple language. 4 A lawyer or Advocate shall work with social welfare committees to promote social order in which Political, Economic and Social Justice will be assured to all.

Why is firmness important?

Firmness, being a very important and crucial trait as if it tests the consistency and regularities in a good lawyer or advocate to pursue a case. It is the ability and skill demanded by this career from a lawyer or advocate to be consistent and stick loyally towards the client and his case in a Court of Law before the Hon’ble Judges.

What are analytical skills?

Analytical Skills. Being involved and as a part of the legal industry, a lawyer or Advocate must possess a distinctive attribute of analytical skills as if to crystallize the information received either, half or wrong. A lawyer or Advocate must be able to analyze the events by using the critical method of analyzing.

Is a lawyer a good business development?

The lawyer or Advocate who understands and acknowledges the client care and its business will definitely be good at Business Development; it will eventually increase his working pace by building new business relations and tie-ups.

What can a lawyer do based on the understanding of the event?

Based on the understanding of the event with full reasonableness and in a logistic manner, a lawyer or Advocate can make out and draw conclusions based upon the information provided to him and his past experience (s).

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Compassion: One of The Many Qualities of A Lawyer

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Compassion is an emotional response whereby one perceives another’s problem and authentically, genuinely wants to help resolve the problem. This is part of what lawyers do: People come to us with their problems, or to avoid future problems, and we help resolve or avoid the issues, whichever the case may be. If you practice bu…
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Ability to Listen

  • Effective communication skills are essential to good lawyering. One of the most important aspects of communication is listening. Of course, what we say, how we say it and when we say it are important. But we can only do it right if we listen first. Listen to your clients. Listen to your adversaries, your colleagues and the judges. As lawyers, we must take in much information, anal…
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Assertiveness, Not Aggressiveness

  • I often hear people say, “She’s not aggressive enough to be an effective lawyer.” That’s not right. You don’t need to be aggressive — though you must be assertive. Assertive lawyers state their opinions and make themselves heard while remaining respectful of others. Aggressive lawyers attack or ignore others’ opinions in favor of their own. Much like those who lack compassion, ov…
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Creativity

  • We need to be creative to find real solutions to the issues our clients face. Each matter is unique; each client must be handled differently, and each solution carefully crafted. While on the whole we lawyers are a rather risk-averse group, we must learn to think outside the box. The best way to create unique solutions is to approach each situation with compassionate listening, which enabl…
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Perseverance

  • Success is achieved with perseverance. We must keep working, keep trying and keep going. We must be able to walk away when things are not working, take a break and come back fresh and ready to “fight,” negotiate, or whatever the matter requires. Now go out there and be one of those great lawyers! Illustration ©iStockPhoto.com. Updated from a post that originally appeared in A…
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