Attorneys need to develop a set of specialized skills.
Lawyers represent clients such as business entities and private citizens in legal matters. Because the law can often be complex, lawyers need to possess a comprehensive education, typically consisting of four years of college followed by three years of law school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for lawyers in the United States was $110,590 as of 2008.
Counseling
Lawyers must be able to counsel their clients as to their best course of legal action. Individuals accused of a crime need counseling as to plead or in establishing a defense. Individuals entering into a business venture need advice as to set up the enterprise, such as whether they should incorporate.
Advocacy
Lawyers must be advocates for their clients' rights, regardless of their guilt or innocence. This requires developing strong oral and written skills to present an effective case. The ability to believe in and fight for a client's rights can add to the persuasiveness of the lawyer's argument.
Negotiating
A defense attorney may need to negotiate a plea arrangement so that her client can receive a reduced sentence or avoid prison time. A lawyer who is involved in a divorce dispute may need to negotiate with the lawyer of the other spouse regarding division of property while serving her client's best interests.
Analyzing
Lawyers need to be able to analyze and absorb complex legal documents such as legal briefs and prior legal decisions. They must analyze their clients' situation to determine the best course of action in providing a defense. A legal issue may have several sides, so the lawyer must be able to analyze the issue from a variety of points of view to gain a full understanding.
Public Speaking
Trial lawyers need to develop strong public speaking skills. They need to be able to build rapport with members of a jury while presenting their case, which requires skills such as making eye contact and projecting a strong presence. They must also be able to break down a complicated legal or technical concept and explain it to a jury in layman's terms.
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