Competitive and Attractive Legal Skills for Job Seekers

Competitive and Attractive Legal Skills for Job SeekersCompetitive and Attractive Legal Skills for Job SeekersWhile legal positions vary greatly in scope and responsibility, there are certain core legal skills that are required for most legal positions. If you are considering a career in the law, it is wise to polish these top tenlegal skillsto excel in todays competitive legal market. 01Oral CommunicationLanguage is one of the most fundamental tools of alegal professional. They mustConvey information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.Communicate persuasively.Be able to advocate a position or a cause.Master legal terminology.Develop keen listening skills.02Written CommunicationFrom writing simple correspondence to drafting complex legal documents, writing is an integral function of nearly every legal position. Legal professionals mustMaster the stylistic and mechanical aspects of writing.Master the fundamentals of English grammar.Learn how to write organized, concise, and persu asive prose.Draft effective legal documents such as motions, briefs, memorandums, resolutions, and legal agreements.03Client ServiceIn the client-focused legal industry, serving the client capably, honestly, and responsibly is crucial to success. Legal professionals must masterRainmaking and client development skills.Customer tafelgeschirr skills.Client communication skills.04Analytical and Logical ReasoningLegal professionals must learn to review and assimilate large volumes of complex information efficiently and effectively. Legal analytical and logical reasoning skills includeReviewing complex written documents, drawing inferences, and making connections among legal authorities.Developing logical thinking, organization, and problem-solving abilities.Structuring and evaluating arguments.Using inductive and deductive reasoning to draw inferences and reach conclusions.05Legal ResearchResearching legal concepts,case law, judicial opinions, statutes, regulations, and other information is an important legal skill. Legal professionals mustMaster legal research techniques.Learn how to locate and synthesize legal authority.Master the art of statutory interpretation.Learn proper legal citation.Master legal research software applications and Internet research.06TechnologyTechnology is changing the legal landscape and is an integral part of every legal function. To remain effective in their jobs, legal professionals mustMaster a variety of word processing, presentation, time and billing, and practice-related software applications.Master communications technology including e-mail, voice messaging systems, video conferencing, and related technology.Become familiar withelectronic discovery, computerizedlitigation kooperation,and document management software.Become proficient with legal research software and Internet research.Develop the tech know-how to make wise technology decisions.07Knowledge of Substantive Law and Legal ProcedureAll legal professionals, even those at the bottom of the legal career food chain, must have a basic knowledge of substantive law and legal procedure. Legal professionals must have a general knowledge ofLocal, state, andfederal court systems.Relevant filing deadlines.Fundamental principles of law in the practice areas in which they work.Relevant legal terminology.08Time ManagementIn a profession based on a business model (the billable hour) that ties productivity to financial gain, legal professionals are under constant pressure to bill time and manage large workloads. Therefore, legal professionals must developSuperior multi-tasking skills.A strong work ethic.The ability to juggle competing priorities.The ability to meet tight deadlines.Calendar and time management skills.09OrganizationTo manage large volumes of data and documents, legal professionals must develop top-notch organizational skills, includingThe ability to sort, order, and manage large volumes of exhibits, documents, files, evidence, data, and other informa tion.The ability to identify objectives, catalog data, and create an effective organization structure from massive amounts of unrelated information.The ability to use technology applications that assist in managing case-related data.10TeamworkLegal professionals do not work in a vacuum. Even solo practitioners must rely on secretaries and support staff and team up with co-counsel, experts, and vendors to deliver legal services. Moreover, since the needs of the client may transcend the skills of one attorney, one paralegal, or one practice group, teamwork is essential to individual and organizational success.Teamwork skillsincludeCollaborating with others to reach a common goal.Coordinating and sharing information and knowledge.Cultivating relationships with colleagues, staff, clients, experts, vendors, and others.Attending and participating in team events, meetings, and conferences.Develop all of these skills, and youll be on your way to success in the legal profession