Whether you are a student of law or a working attorney, these traits will definitely help you in your legal career. Some of these traits are Integrity, Decisiveness, Creativity, and Public Speaking skills. Listed below are a few examples of these traits that you need to have in order to be a successful lawyer. While choosing a career in law, make sure to keep your values in mind. Choosing a career path based on your values is the best way to ensure that you will be happy with your choice.
Integrity
One key to a successful legal career is integrity. People with integrity put great stock in being trustworthy and do the right thing. They know that how they practice is as important as what they do. They try to meet promises and deliver on them in a timely and appropriate manner. They do not let expediency get in the way of their moral character. For example, if they promise to do a good job but fail to deliver on them, they would be in trouble.
A Gallup poll shows that Americans trust lawyers more than politicians, advertisers, and car salespeople. Lawyers, however, lag behind nurses, doctors, teachers, and engineers. While many people cite journalistic integrity as one of the keys to a successful legal career, lawyers are still seen as having an average level of integrity. In fact, the majority of respondents believe that lawyers are not unethical.
Decisiveness
Decisiveness is a quality that helps you make decisions in stressful situations. When faced with a decision, you must evaluate the situation to determine what’s most important. You can’t make a decision on a whim, so you must consider the impact on others, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of each option. Fortunately, there are ways to increase your decisiveness and make good decisions, even on tight timelines.
Creativity
In a recent paper published in the Clinical Law Review, two lawyers discussed the role of creativity in a law career. Lawyers, like other professionals, need to be creative in order to solve problems. While there are many formulas that can solve a legal problem, creativity is necessary to overcome intractable situations. Creativity also helps lawyers be more efficient and effective in their work, using technology to their advantage and allowing them to use their own ideas.
A recent survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF) found that lawyers don’t place enough emphasis on creativity. While the value of creativity may be lacking in law firms, it is well established in other industries. In a report from the Forum, chief human resources and strategy officers of global companies ranked creativity as one of the top three most valuable job skills in 2020, above critical thinking and complex problem-solving.
Public speaking skills
For the sake of a successful law career, it is essential to develop effective public speaking skills. A strong speaker has an edge over others who are less skilled. This can help you win a case or settle a business merger. You should find the techniques that suit you and practice them until you achieve your desired level of proficiency. It is also possible to learn public speaking techniques by reading books on the subject. For more information on public speaking techniques for attorneys, check out this article.
You can learn to speak in front of a variety of groups, including homeowners associations, volunteer boards, parent teacher associations, and continuing legal education panels. Public speaking workshops are especially helpful to build confidence in public speaking. Additionally, many legal jobs require you to work with others in a team environment. This means that you will need to develop teamwork skills as well. Delegating work and doing extra work for colleagues will enable you to work on a common goal.
Organizational skills
Lawyers are expected to take on enormous amounts of work. An eight-hour day might be spent on phone calls with 10 different clients, three court appearances, and handling four other matters. Effective attorneys understand that order is essential to their work and are able to manage their schedules and stay organized. This article will discuss some of the most effective strategies for being more organized in the legal profession. Also, we’ll cover some of the most important tips for being more organized in your life.
Lawyers must be organized and have a knack for multitasking. Law firms require their lawyers to prioritize and stay focused, and that means that organizational skills are crucial. Lawyers should also have excellent communication and research skills, as they’ll need to keep track of multiple client files and case documents. They must be thorough with their research, and their files should be properly filed and indexed. Whether they’re handling litigation or advising a client, organization is critical to a successful law career.
Work-life balance
Working a full-time job in the legal profession can be draining, but a focus on wellbeing can help boost a successful legal career. For example, make time to spend with family, participate in activities outdoors, and binge-watch the latest television series. Also, schedule time to relax after a long day at work, whether you’re catching up on emails or enjoying a virtual game night with Zoom.
The definition of work-life balance is different for each attorney. It will depend on your lifestyle priorities and your own salary. Many attorneys are attracted to big law firms because they offer prestige. However, working for these companies may not always be the best fit for everyone. Regardless of the type of law you choose, it’s important to feel comfortable in the field you choose. If you enjoy your career, it will be easier to maintain a work-life balance.
