Lawyers have a responsibility to guide their clients through the legal system.A good lawyer can help a client.It takes a number of different attributes to be a successful lawyer.Success of a lawyer depends on how one chooses to measure it.
Step 1: Know what you have.
You should keep up with your area of law.Laws and rules often change and new cases are being decided every day.Every day, new legislation is introduced in your area of law practice.Federal laws change frequently.
Step 2: When needed, conduct research.
If you have a non-routine case that you haven't dealt with before, take the time to do legal research and find the answers.If you have practiced in the same area of the law for several years, you should not assume that you know everything.Every day there are new issues and cases that need to be researched to find a solution.Legal research methods have changed a lot over the last 20 years.You need to know the most up-to-date electronic research methods.If you have a subscription to Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw, you can get extensive training in using their applications.
Step 3: Attend seminars about continuing legal education.
If you want to maintain your law license, you need to earn a certain number of hours of Continuing Legal Education each year.At these seminars, you will often hear from experts in their respective areas of the law and have the chance to ask questions.You can network with other attorneys in your area of practice by attending the seminars.
Step 4: Critical thinking can be practiced.
In order to be a successful lawyer, you must be able to look at a legal issue from all sides and come up with a solution.Proper analysis will help you to identify the legal issue and develop a sound legal argument to support your client's position.Before you make a decision, make sure you understand all of the facts.Don't rely on your client to tell you everything.Clients do not volunteer information because they don't know what is important.Ask the questions to find out what you need to know.
Step 5: You need to develop your writing skills.
A successful lawyer needs good writing skills.Lawyers spend a lot of their time filing pleadings and other documents with the court.A degree of writing expertise is required for almost all of these documents.If you can effectively write, you are more likely to advance your client's position.As a general rule, you should make a written argument if you have a case.The legal issue should be identified.Determine which laws apply to your issue.The laws should be applied to the facts of your case.You can draw a conclusion based on the laws that have been applied to your case.
Step 6: You need to improve your oral communication skills.
Lawyers have excellent communication skills, whether speaking to the court, other lawyers, or their clients.They need to be able to articulate a client's position to the court, question a witness, argue to a jury, and convince clients to hire them.A lawyer needs to be able to get all the information from a client that is necessary to represent him or her with tact and sensitivity.Lawyers need to be able to convince potential clients that they are the right person to represent them.Attorneys should be able to communicate with each other.They can work toward settlements that are acceptable for all parties involved and effective negotiate on behalf of their clients.Attorneys should be able to concisely argue their clients' positions without disrespect to opposing counsel or the court who may not always agree with them.
Step 7: You should know the courts in which you practice.
Every court has its own practices and court staff can give you information that you wouldn't know otherwise.Although you can't discuss specific cases with judges, they are willing to discuss different fact scenarios and points of law with you and give you their opinions.
Step 8: A trial practice seminar is required.
Lawyers who regularly represent clients in the courtroom can receive trial training from some national organizations.There are certain trial techniques that can be useful in any court setting.A trial practice seminar can help you improve your skills.
Step 9: Join a bar association.
You will be able to learn from other lawyers when you are with them.Learning that can be very valuable to your professional development is often sponsored by bar associations.If you have questions about handling certain cases, you can consult with a network of lawyers.You may be able to engage in community service through your bar association.
Step 10: A mentor can be found.
A more experienced attorney with whom to discuss cases, try out arguments, and get answers to your questions is what every lawyer needs.This relationship will allow you to try out your ideas on someone else before you take them to court.
Step 11: Speak with respect to judges and court staff.
Don't interrupt to listen to them.How you present yourself affects your professionalism.Being rude to judges will not help you.
Step 12: tact and grace are used when dealing with clients.
Try to look at the situation from their point of view as they may get agitated or not like what you have to say.Don't allow your clients to make unreasonable demands of you.You don't have to represent every client.
Step 13: Listen to what your client has to say.
Don't judge, just listen and advise.Even if your client has made a bad decision, which he or she will undoubtedly do at some point throughout the course of your representation, figure out how to best handle the situation and move on.
Step 14: Tell the truth to the court, your colleagues, and your clients.
You will get nowhere if you are untruthful.It does not translate into repeat business from clients if your clients don't trust you.If you are found to have violated the professional rules of conduct that govern all lawyers, your law license can be at risk.
Step 15: It's appropriate to question witnesses.
Questions relevant to the trial should be asked when interrogating a witness.If the witness becomes emotional, don't ridicule him or her.Special care should be given to witnesses who are victims of a violent crime.You will be judged by the way you treat other people during a court proceeding.
Step 16: Attorney-client confidentiality needs to be kept up.
Nobody's case is yours.Inform the court and opposing counsel only if you are required to do so in order to effectively represent your client.
Step 17: The rules of professional conduct for lawyers are in your state.
Every state has a set of professional conduct rules for lawyers.If you don't follow the rules, you can be disciplined and lose your law license.
Step 18: Comply with the law.
You will be subject to professional discipline if you commit a crime.Depending on the nature of your crime, you are likely to lose your job.
Step 19: Your success isn't always measured by your paycheck.
Sometimes, pro bono or reduced fee cases are where you can make the most difference.It isn't necessarily success for every lawyer to earn six figures.Many attorneys who work at legal aid offices, government offices and other lower-paying jobs are happy with their careers and make a huge difference in other peoples' lives.
Step 20: There are many paths to a successful career.
When a lawyer makes partner at a high-powered law firm, they consider themselves successful.Others don't mind making a living in their solo practices.Others think non-profit or public interest work is the key to success.A successful career as a lawyer is what you consider it to be.
Step 21: The best way to deal with stress is to manage it.
Attorneys deal with a lot of stress on a daily basis.On a day-to-day basis, learn how to let go of stress.This step will allow you to be more effective in your job.
Step 22: You should be happy with your career choice.
It's hard to be successful at a career that you don't enjoy.If you don't enjoy your job, find a better one.