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What skills do you need every day as an attorney?
My sister, Siobhan, is interested in being an attorney, but she doesn't really know what that entails. #law #lawyer #attorney
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7 answers
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Kent’s Answer
Hi Eli -
I agree with several of the other answers given - communication skills (writing, speaking), investigative skills (researching, reading, analyzing), advocacy/persuasion skills (being able to construct arguments to advocate a position and persuade others to accept or consider your position) - are very important for practicing law.
I would emphasize another skill that I think underlies all of these - the ability and willingness to think. I recall on my first day of law school one of my professors stated that he was not going to teach us a particular area of law but how to think, and we (the students) would teach ourselves the law. In my personal experience, I've found the professor's approach was correct. A critical skill I use (or endeavor to use!) is the ability and willingness to take any issue, gather and analyze information about the issue to understand it, and then reach reasoned conclusions about the issue based on a particular set of facts. Thankfully, that skill can be and is taught in law school.
If your sister would enjoy thinking, among the other skills mentioned in the answers, then I think law may be a good career choice for her.
I agree with several of the other answers given - communication skills (writing, speaking), investigative skills (researching, reading, analyzing), advocacy/persuasion skills (being able to construct arguments to advocate a position and persuade others to accept or consider your position) - are very important for practicing law.
I would emphasize another skill that I think underlies all of these - the ability and willingness to think. I recall on my first day of law school one of my professors stated that he was not going to teach us a particular area of law but how to think, and we (the students) would teach ourselves the law. In my personal experience, I've found the professor's approach was correct. A critical skill I use (or endeavor to use!) is the ability and willingness to take any issue, gather and analyze information about the issue to understand it, and then reach reasoned conclusions about the issue based on a particular set of facts. Thankfully, that skill can be and is taught in law school.
If your sister would enjoy thinking, among the other skills mentioned in the answers, then I think law may be a good career choice for her.
Updated
Fiona’s Answer
Attention to detail
Logical reasoning and thinking
Ability to present arguments well in writing and/or speaking
Time management
Logical reasoning and thinking
Ability to present arguments well in writing and/or speaking
Time management
Updated
Richard’s Answer
My wife is an attorney. When I asked her this question, she said the short answer is the ability to focus on what you are reading and to write clearly and concisely with proper grammar, etc. The longer answer is that it depends on the type of law you practice. No matter what kind of law though, you will need to be willing to learn. She learns something new every single day because every case is different. You can become an expert in your area of the law, and still no two cases are the same.
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi, Eli!
If you're not familiar with the Occupational Outlook Handbook published online by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov/ooh), I would strongly recommend taking a look! In addition to finding out what an attorney (or any job existing in the US) does, it also includes information about the education needed, the potential salary ranges, and the outlook for the next 10 years. I think that both you, and your sister, could benefit from taking a look at this resource as you navigate through the vast opportunities out there.
Happy Searching!
If you're not familiar with the Occupational Outlook Handbook published online by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov/ooh), I would strongly recommend taking a look! In addition to finding out what an attorney (or any job existing in the US) does, it also includes information about the education needed, the potential salary ranges, and the outlook for the next 10 years. I think that both you, and your sister, could benefit from taking a look at this resource as you navigate through the vast opportunities out there.
Happy Searching!
Updated
Paul V.’s Answer
I agree with Randolph, but I want to add reading and research to the writing skills he mentioned. Lots of reading of lots of different types of materials will improve grammar, knowledge, vocabulary and so much more. Researching various topics and "drilling down" to get to the basic facts will be helpful in preparing young people to become successful attorneys.
Updated
Randolph’s Answer
I would say the best thing you can do in high school (and undergraduate studies) with your eye toward the law is focus on improving your writing skills. The ability to write intelligently is a powerful tool to have regardless of what profession you finally end up in.
With law, it’s about your ability to focus on the issue at hand and deliver your message using the facts to the best of your client’s position.
I think one of the best undergraduate classes I took was one that had to do with logical thinking. It sounds simple, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. I’ve heard many times “This person should be an attorney because he/she is always arguing.” That’s not an attorney. That’s someone who will need an attorney. I’d rather hear “This person should be an attorney because he/she always takes the time to take in all the facts, thinks logically, and comes up with a reasoned response that makes sense.” That sounds like an attorney. So working on that skill will help you tremendously.
I hope that helps. I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do!!
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Law school requires an enormous amount of reading, and after law school, lawyers have to continue to study and research pertinent cases and case law. They need to be well organized and focused. They need to have excellent composition skills. If you are interested in philosophy, political science, and debate, the legal field should be right up your alley.