Skills Needed to be a Lawyer

Being a lawyer demands strong skills of oratory methods, critical analysis and observation. To top that off, a lawyer should have total knowledge of state and federal law in order to argue her cases. Another prerequisite is willingness to spend at least six years at both college and graduate school. Lastly, any lawyer who lacks passion for justice is sure to fail.

People Skills

Lawyers interact with a huge diversity of clients. Therefore, they must demonstrate excellent communication skills, sympathy and patience.

Observational Skills

Lawyers must be able to spot the holes in an opposing party's argument during a trial. They also spend a lot of time reading case materials, which requires keen attention to detail.

Memorizational Skills

Lawyers must have a tremendous working knowledge of both state and federal laws. During their education, they learn these laws and other procedural courtroom knowledge in order to gain their license to practice law.

Analytical Skills

Lawyers must have probing analytical skills in order to develop their arguments. These skills must be strong enough to debunk the opposing party's argument and sway a jury to the lawyer's side.

Oratory Skills

Lawyers must clarify their arguments clearly and emphatically. Lawyers who use sloppy language or show disinterest in their cases bode ill for success.

Resources

• The Law School Admission Council's guide to essential lawyer skills