Indispensable Skills Checklist

“After three years of studying the law, I am very much aware of how little I know” says American lawyer turned author John Grisham. His statement portrays the complexity and vastness of the subject. What is it that a law student must excel at?.Some say that one requires the ‘generic’ skills of all disciplines and law in particular; while others believe that certain specific skills, such as legal writing, research, problem-solving and clinical skills are imperative. Although all these skills are acquired in law school, possessing certain fundamental skills prior to pursuing a law degree is equally important..Analytic or Problem Solving Skills.This is the ability to objectively analyse the issues and their consequences. As a lawyer you will be expected to solve a client’s problem. To achieve this, you need to be able to identify the potential legal issues and then reach a desired result, that which is acceptable to the clients and is in conformity with the existing laws. As a natural corollary, sharp reasoning, quick assimilation and analysis of facts, identification of core issues, capacity for sequential thought, ability to distinguish fact from fiction, ‘sift the grain from the chaff’ are sine qua non. Remember that the analytic and problem solving skills required of lawyers are not fundamentally different from those of other professionals. Since your legal education would have refined these crucial skills, you would be expected to possess a reasonably well developed set of analytic and problem solving abilities..Writing and Oral Communication Skills.The ability to articulate, both verbally and in writing, are the two vital skills of this profession. Your work as a lawyer will entail convincing clients, other lawyers, or judges, and the ability to do this by way of speaking and writing becomes crucial. Express yourself clearly, cogently and concisely. Law schools do facilitate training in writing, particularly in the specific techniques or forms of writing that are common in law, fundamental writing skills, prior to pursuing the study of law never hurts. What is required is the ability to prepare original pieces of writing and revise the written work in response to constructive criticism, if any..As with writing skills, you will need to refine oral communication skills, particularly the forms and techniques of oral expression that are prevalent in the practice of law. The significance of verbal communication skills for a budding lawyer to succeed in gaining employment in law firms or MNCs cannot be overemphasised, particularly in the one-on-one interview..Besides speaking, work on your listening skills. You must have the requisite human skills to build and strengthen relationships with clients. This involves effective communication skills to be able to glean critical information from the facts narrated and offer a workable legal solution to the problem..Research Skills.To state the obvious law is dynamic. You must be prepared to dedicate substantial time in educating yourself. There are a plethora of research sources and techniques specific to law. Develop familiarity with these specific skills or materials. Research through electronic databases is, nowadays, the most popular way to doing research. Get well acquainted with electronic sources of law. However, also ensure that you know how to make research using paper based sources of law. In other words, you should also be acquainted to the way of carrying out research in libraries using various paper sources. To execute a project requires significant library research, and analysis of large amounts of information obtained from that research, goes a long way in cracking a work assignment. Be ready and willing to devote long hours to research, analysis and study..Ability to Use Legal Technology.With the boom in Internet and electronic communication, being able to carry out computerised legal research is equally, if not more, important. You probably have a far better understanding of technology than your Professors and your future employers. Use this to your advantage by familiarising yourself with the software which lawyers use. Download trial versions, try managing a fictional case, and keep track it. Mastering these technologies will enhance your productivity as a law student and give you an edge when you enter the profession..Reading Skills.As a lawyer you will never stop reading the law. A lot of your work will involve reading and comprehension of statutes, judicial pronouncements and legal documents. As with the other skills, you must develop critical reading ability in a wide range of areas..Ability to Work Closely With People.As a lawyer you will be working closely with not just your clients but also other members of the legal fraternity, either through meetings in person or through involvement in preparation of a variety of legal documents. Since your advice, counsel and actions as a lawyer tend to have a significant impact on the actions of the clients, the ability to work effectively and closely with people is a key ingredient..Ability to Perform Detail Work.Rules of form, practice and procedure are essential in law. Pay attention to facts and detail, as ‘detail work’ is a significant aspect of the practice of law..Time Management Skills.True system-based time management is vital. Get over your habit to procrastinate, sooner than later, or it will takes it’s toll once you enter the profession. Start with reading up on time management..Majority of lawyers work in small set ups (independent practitioners and/or small law firms). Odds are you might too. Looking at this side of law practice will give you valuable insights into how most lawyers work, and in turn help you determine if this would a viable alternative to the long hours that often accompanies working in a big law firm. Above all, know that law is a profession, and also a business. Law school might teach you ethics, but it will not tell you about law practice management, and certainly not about marketing. For all the time, energy and resources that you are spending on becoming a lawyer, the fact is that you will not be taught about how to be a lawyer. This is the “self-help” part of your curriculum. Start with reading up on the subject. From books to blogs, lay your hands on anything that helps you get acquainted with how the business of law works.. Richa Kachhwaha holds an LLM in Commercial Laws from London School of Economics and Political Science. Currently, Richa is involved in legal writing and editing with over years 7 of experience. She is also a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales.