Top Skills Every Aspiring Lawyer Must Posses

The best law colleges in Pune or other cities focus on developing both theoretical and practical knowledge in their students. While legal positions and the knowledge required for them varies, there are specific skills that are a must-have for almost all legal positions. If you are considering a career in law, polishing these skills will help you excel in today’s competitive market.

Oral Communication

Lawyers need to possess powerful oral communication skills since it’s fundamental to their profession. It’s essential that lawyers can convey information in a clear, succinct and logical manner when arguing their case. Moreover, they also need to be persuasive in their communication. You can improve your communication skills by participating in moot courts or being a part of public speaking activities.

Written Communication

Lawyers regularly need to draft correspondence and complex legal documents. Therefore, writing is an integral part of the legal profession. You must focus on polishing your grammar, learn to write concisely and in persuasive prose. Finally, you will also need to master the mechanical aspects of drafting legal documents like briefs, memorandums, legal agreements, etc.

Analytical and Logical Reasoning

As a lawyer, you will need to review and assimilate vast volumes of complex information. It’s vital to possess analytical and logical reasoning, to carry out these functions efficiently and effectively. For instance, there will be times you may find more than one right answer to a problem. However, you will need to use inductive and deductive thinking to form assumptions and reach suitable conclusions.

Legal Research

Researching legal concepts, old cases, regulations, and other information is an essential aspect of a lawyer’s day. You will need to master research techniques, learn how to incorporate legal citations, and statutory interpretation, among others. Developing your research skills can help you quickly locate and incorporate the right information in your case.

Technology

Technology is changing the way law functions. Therefore, to remain proficient in your job, you must master various technologies. It’s crucial that you can work with multiple word processing, presentation, billing, and other law specific software applications. You will also need to be familiar with electronic discovery, litigation support, and document management systems. In conclusion, you must gain the tech knowledge that is prevalent in your particular career.

Judgment 

It’s important as a lawyer to draw reasonable and logical conclusions. Apart from analytical skills, you will also need to judge your conclusions critically. Critical viewing of assumptions will help you identify potential weak points that can be fortified again. Similarly, you will also need to spot weaknesses in the opposition's argument. Throughout your law career, you will come across various instances where you will need to make judgment calls.

Aspiring to be a lawyer required a lot of dedication and hard work. You will need to maintain good scores throughout your degree and may spend endless nights pouring over old cases. If you have aced the SET law exam, you are well on your way to learning law from some of the best law institutes in the country. However, developing these skills is equally important to succeed in the legal profession. 

Four Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Legal Career

Many individuals choose a career in law as it pays well and is well-respected in society. While it is true that this profession can be a successful one, it should not be the only reason for you to pursue it. Before applying to the top 10 law schools in India, you should ask yourself a few questions. Keep reading to find out what they are and then decide if the legal profession is really for you.

Why do you want to study at a law school?

Are you pursuing a legal career for the sake of it or because you've heard it pays well? Or is it because you find law interesting? Is there a particular area of law that has caught your attention? Are you the kind of person who would thrive in a legal environment? Once you have answers to such questions, you will be able to decide if you are really meant for this career.

Do you have what it takes to be a lawyer?

Every lawyer has a distinct set of traits that helps him stand out and excel. The core strengths sought by legal recruiters are intellectual ability, motivation, resilience, attention to detail, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. If you have the majority of these, law could be a good option for you! Also, you will develop the rest of the skills while studying in a good law college in Pune, Mumbai, or other cities.

Are you ready to study rigorously for 4-5 years?

Now, this varies depending on your course. For instance, if you choose to pursue B.A. LL.B (HONS.) or BB.A LL.B (HONS.), you will have to spend five years. You also have the option of pursuing LL.B or LL.M for three years after you have completed your graduation.

Are you financially and mentally prepared?

By now, you might already know that applying to one of the top law schools in India is a huge investment. The fee might be anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 8,00,000 per annum. Again this depends on your college and the course structure. So, before applying, make sure you have your finances sorted.

Also, law school is no piece of cake. Here, you will have to work hard day in and day out. Whether you are preparing for exams or even internships, you need to be determined and focus. Only if you think you can handle the stress and still rise out of it, you should consider this career path.

After finding answers to such questions, you should check the law schools ranking in India and apply. We hope this helps you out. Please get in touch with us if you have any doubts or feedback. All the best!