.

Monday, June 29, 2015

How to Be a Successful Lawyer

By    

How to Be a Successful Lawyer

Resource: wiki how
Lawyers have a responsibility to guide their clients through the legal system with both skill and tact. A good lawyer can make all the difference in a client’s case. There are a number of different attributes that it takes to be a successful lawyer. However, the success of a lawyer also depends on how one to chooses to measure success.


Part 1 of 5: Knowing the Law


Be a Successful Lawyer Step 1 Version 2.jpg
1Know your information. Keep yourself up-to-date on your area of law. Be aware of new developments, as laws and rules often change and new cases are being decided every day. States introduce new legislation that affect your area of law practice every day. Federal laws also regularly change.


Be a Successful Lawyer Step 2 Version 2.jpg

2
Conduct research when needed. If you have a non-routine case involving issues that you have not dealt with before, take the time to do the legal research and find the answers. Don’t assume that you know everything, even if you have practiced in the same area of the law for several years. New issues and cases arise every day, and you have to do the research to find the solution to your case.
  • Legal research methods have changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Ensure that you are familiar with the most up-to-date electronic research methods. If you have a subscription to Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw, which are the two most well-known online legal research companies, then you also can get extensive training in using their applications.
Be a Successful Lawyer Step 3 Version 2.jpg

3
Attend continuing legal education (CLE) seminars. Not only are you required to earn a certain number of CLE hours each year in order to maintain your law license, but you gain valuable legal knowledge at these seminars. You often will hear from experts in their respective areas of the law at these seminars and have the change to ask questions that you may have. Additionally, attending CLE seminars gives you a chance to network and exchange information with other attorneys in your area of practice.

Part 2 of 5: Learning Essential Skills


Be a Successful Lawyer Step 4 Version 2.jpg

  1. 1
    Practice critical thinking. In order to be a successful lawyer, you must be able to look at a legal issue from all sides in order to come up with the best solution. Proper analysis will not only help you to identify the legal issue, but help you to develop a sound legal argument to support your client’s position.[1]
    • Make sure you have a clear grasp of all of the pertinent facts before you form your conclusion.
    • Don’t always rely on your client to tell you everything up front. Clients often will not volunteer information because they don’t know what is important and what is not. Ask the questions that are necessary to find out the information that you need.
  2. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 5 Version 2.jpg


    2
    Develop your writing skills. Lawyer often underestimate the writing skills that are needed to be a successful lawyer. The reality is that lawyers spend a great deal of their time filing pleadings and other documents with the court. Almost all of these documents require some degree of writing expertise. You are much more likely to advance your client’s position if you can effectively write. As a general rule, you should create a written argument as follows:[2]
    • Clarify the facts of your case.
    • Identify the legal issue.
    • Determine which laws or regulations apply to your issue.
    • Apply the laws to the facts of your case.
    • Draw a conclusion based on the laws that you have applied to the facts of your case.
  3. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    3
    Work on your oral communication skills. All successful lawyers have excellent communication skills, whether speaking to the court, other lawyers, a jury, or their clients. They must be able to articulate a client’s position to the court, effectively question a witness, argue to a jury, and convince clients to hire them.
    • With respect to clients, a lawyer must be able to obtain all information from a client that is necessary to represent him or her with sensitivity and tact. Lawyers must be able to convince a potential client that they are the right attorney to represent him or her.
    • Attorneys also should be able to effectively communicate with other lawyers. In doing so, they can work toward settlements that are acceptable for all parties involved and effective negotiate on behalf of their clients.
    • In dealing with the court, attorneys should be able to effectively and concisely argue their clients’ positions without any disrespect to opposing counsel or to the court, who may not always embrace their clients’ positions.
  4. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    4
    Familiarize yourself with the courts in which you regularly practice. Every court has its unique practices, and court staff can be very valuable in giving you information that you would not know otherwise. Although you cannot discuss specific cases with judges, they are often willing to discuss different fact scenarios and points of law with you and give you their opinions.
  5. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    5
    Complete a trial practice seminar. Some national organizations offer trial training for those lawyers who regularly represent clients in the courtroom. While all judges and courtrooms are different to some degree, there are certain trial techniques that can be invaluable to you in any court setting. A trial practice seminar can help you learn and improve your trial practice skills.
  6. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    6
    Join a local, state, or national bar association. When you are with other lawyers, you will be able to learn from other more experienced attorneys and exchange ideas. Bar associations often sponsor CLE seminars and other opportunities for learning that can be very valuable to your professional development. You also develop a network of lawyers whom you consult if you have questions about handling particular cases. You also may be able to engage in community service opportunities through your bar association.
  7. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 10.jpg
    7
    Find a mentor. Every lawyer, no matter how old, needs a more experienced attorney with whom to discuss cases, try out arguments, and get answers to your questions. This relationship will give you the chance to further your knowledge and try out your ideas on someone else before you take them before the court.
    Ad

Part 3 of 5: Exhibiting Civility to Clients, Colleagues, and Judges

  1. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 11.jpg
    1
    Speak respectfully to judges and court staff. Listen to them without interrupting. Your professionalism depends on how you present yourself. Being rude to judges or staff will not help you you’re your client.
  2. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 12.jpg
    2
    Use tact and grace when dealing with clients. They may get agitated or not like what you have to say, but try to look at the situation from their point of view. However, don't allow your clients to verbally abuse you or make unreasonable demands of you. You don’t have to represent every client that comes along, and you probably shouldn’t!
  3. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 13.jpg
    3
    Listen to your client. Never 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.[3]
  4. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 14.jpg
    4
    Be honest with the court, your colleagues, and your clients. Being untruthful will get you nowhere and give you a reputation of dishonesty. Plus, your clients will not trust you, which does not translate into repeat business from clients. In extreme cases, dishonesty can put your law license at risk if your state’s disciplinary commission finds that you have violated the professional rules of conduct that govern all lawyers.
  5. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 15.jpg
    5
    Question witnesses appropriately. When interrogating a witness, ask appropriate questions relevant to the trial. Don't ridicule the witness if he or she becomes emotional, but maintain professional distance. Keep in mind that special care should be applied to witnesses who are minors or victims of a violent crime. A judge and/or jury will be judging you by the way you treat others during a court proceeding.
    Ad

Part 4 of 5: Maintaining a High Level of Ethics

  1. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 16.jpg
    1
    Keep up attorney-client confidentiality. A client's case is nobody's business but yours. Disclose that information to the court and to opposing counsel only to the extent that you are required to do so and that is necessary to effectively representing your client.
  2. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 17.jpg
    2
    Follow your state’s rules of professional conduct for lawyers. Every state has a set of rules of professional conduct that govern lawyers’ behavior. If you fail to follow these rules, you run the risk of being disciplined, which can result in a suspension or revocation of your law license.
  3. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 18.jpg
    3
    Comply with the law. If you commit a crime, you not only will be subject to penalties through the criminal justice system, but also to professional discipline. Depending on the nature of your crime, you also are likely to lose your job.
    Ad

Part 5 of 5: Making a Difference

  1. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 19.jpg
    1
    Remember that your success is not always measured by your paycheck.Sometimes, it’s that pro bono case or that case where you charge a reduced fee in which you can make the most difference. And earning six figures isn’t necessarily success for every lawyer. Many attorneys who work at legal aid offices, government offices, and other lower-paying jobs are perfectly happy with their careers and make a huge difference in other peoples’ lives.
  2. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 20.jpg
    2
    Know that there are many different paths to a successful career. Some lawyers consider themselves successful when they make partner at a high-powered law firm. Others are content to make a living in their solo practices. Still others consider non-profit or public interest work to be the key to success in their lives. In the end, a successful career as a lawyer is what you consider it to be, not others.
  3. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 21.jpg
    3
    Manage stress. Attorneys often work long hours and deal with stressful situations on a daily basis. Learn how to let go of stress and manage it on a day-to-day basis. This step will allow you think more clearly and calmly and be more effective in your job.
  4. Be a Successful Lawyer Step 22.jpg
    4
    Be happy with your career choice. It is difficult to enjoy or be successful at a career that you do not enjoy. If you don’t enjoy your job, find a job that better suits you and that you can truly enjoy.[4]

70 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. through insecticides effectively and safely give effective and guaranteed results on the health side as well as the psychological side by getting rid of the different types of insect.شركة مكافحة حشرات
    شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بجازان
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بجازان
    شركة رش مبيدات بجازان

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good Post! Thank you so much for sharing this pretty post, it was so good to read and useful to improve my knowledge as updated one, keep blogging.
      Student Visa For Canada

      Delete
  3. คาสิโนออนไลน์ที่น่าเชื่อถือและมีความเป็นมืออาชีพที่สุดในตอนนี้
    โปรโมชั่นGclub ของทางทีมงานตอนนี้แจกฟรีโบนัส 50%
    เพียงแค่คุณสมัคร สล็อตออนไลน์ กับทางทีมงานของเราเพียงเท่านั้น
    ร่วมมาเป็นส่วนหนึ่งกับเว็บไซต์คาสิโนออนไลน์ของเราได้เลยค่ะ
    สมัครสล็อตออนไลน์ >>> Goldenslot
    สนใจร่วมสนุกกับ คาสิโนออนไลน์ คลิ๊กได้เลย
    มีทั้งคาสิโนออนไลน์ หวยออนไลน์ ฟุตบอลออนไลน์ สล็อตออนไลน์ และอื่นๆอีกมากมาย

    ReplyDelete
  4. شركة تنظيف منازل بالجبيل

    شركة تنظيف منازل بالدمام

    شركة تنظيف منازل بالقطيف

    شركة تنظيف مجالس بالجبيل


    Why should you hire a cleaning company for home?
    House cleaning is part of home maintenance. It is a fact of life that must be made from dishes, washing clothes, removing dirt from the ground and so on.
    No one really enjoys the hostage work, but it can't go on unattended for a long time.
    While everyone can agree that cleaning the house should be done, but no one really enjoys it, people are still hesitant to think about a house cleaning company.
    This happens for a number of reasons; people have doubts about strangers in their homes, they don't want people to deal with their
    personal belongings, they don't feel they can justify expenses and are worried about the damage they do.


    ReplyDelete
  5. Our company provides our customers in the city of Qatif with the best cleaning services with the strongest offers that set us apart from other companies in the field of cleaning and domestic services with the presence of distinguished workers we have experienced in the fields of cleaning and the presence of the latest and best equipment that helps to provide services in a distinct and better and easier ways that help to earn Customer satisfaction and the presence of trucks to transport luggage with furniture packaging in an excellent manner that prevents injury and keeps it as it is. You just have to contact our company to reach you at your site and provide the best offers.
    شركة تنظيف بالقطيف
    شركة تنظيف منازل بالقطيف
    شركة تنظيف كنب بالقطيف
    شركة نقل اثاث بالقطيف
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالقطيف
    شركة تسليك مجاري بالقطيف
    شركة الصفرات لتنظيف الشقق بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات لنقل العفش بالرياض
    We remind our customers that we have special offers that set us apart from other companies and huge discounts of up to 30%. Just call

    ReplyDelete
  6. شركه الصفرات المصنفه رقم واحد علي مستوي الخدمات المنزليه من حيث التنظيف وجوده الخدمه التي تقدمها الي عملائها بجانب الخصومات الهائله التي تمنحها بنسبه كبيره الي جميع عملائنا الموجودين داخل المملكه العربيه السعوديه حيث نتمتع بوجود نخبه من العماله المتميزه ذوي الخبره في مجال التنظيف وجميع الخدمات المنزليه ووجود احدث واجود المعدات المستخدمه في جميع المجالات التي تخص مجال الخدمات بشكل عام ووجود خصومات كبيره عليكم فقط الاتصال بشركتنا
    شركة مكافحة الحمام بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات لمكافحة الحشرات بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات للتنظيف بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات لعزل الخزانات بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات لتسليك المجاري بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات لتنظيف الخزانات بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات لكشف التسربات بالرياض
    شركة الصفرات لنقل الاثاث بالرياض
    ونذكر عملائنا باننا متاحين للعمل في اي وقت خلال 24 ساعه يوميا ووجود خصومات تصل الي 40% وضمان مستوي الخدمه

    ReplyDelete
  7. The post you have shared here is really informative as it contains some best knowledge which is very essential for me. Thanks for posting it. Keep it up. law firm

    ReplyDelete
  8. The information you have shared here is really informative. I got some great knowledge from this post. Keep Posting. Houston family lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have shared such an interesting and informative post. I really like the work which you have done here. Thanks for sharing it. Keep it up. Bankruptcy Attorney Toledo

    ReplyDelete
  10. You have done good work by publishing this article here. I found this article too informative, and also it is beneficial to enhance our knowledge. Grateful to you for sharing an article like thisLitigation Lawyer Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post.! Best criminal lawyers service provider.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I read the above article and got some knowledge from your article which is about UK Experienced Immigration LawyerIt's actually great and useful data for us. Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. nba retirement benefits

    ReplyDelete
  15. If you are wondering is it worth hiring a personal injury lawyer, the short answer is yes—if only for the success of your case. Personal injury is a complex area of law. This means that to fight your case successfully, you'll need to have a comprehensive understanding of both federal and state personal injury laws.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This text is jam-packed with important knowledge. I'm blown away by the quality of the information, and it's also a very decent source for us Toledo Workers comp lawyer, so thank you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I appreciate your efforts which you have put into this article. This post provides a good idea about debt negotiation minnesota Genuinely, it is a useful article to increase our knowledge. Thanks for sharing such articles here.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Our divorce lawyers Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County and Port St Lucie professional legal staff focus exclusively on family law issues such as divorce, child custody and child support. To learn your legal rights and options, contact a Florida family lawyer at Vette Law -

    ReplyDelete
  20. I liked your work and, as a result, the manner you presented this content about cleaning services in Toronto.It is a valuable paper for us. Thank you for sharing this blog with us.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Almost all families around the word are facing different kinds of family problems. Such family legal matters include prenuptial agreements, domestic violence, divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, division of properties, rights on properties, and many more.divorce lawyers Boynton Beach Family issues may appear to be wide in categories but complex in nature, that's why it requires legal assistance to be able to deal with it correctly.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I read the above article and got some knowledge from your article which is about Experienced Divorce Lawyers in Bangalore It's actually great and useful data for us. Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Extremely useful information which you have shared here about MCA Lawyers This is a great way to enhance knowledge for us, and also beneficial for us. Thank you for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hey friend, it is very well written article, thank you for the valuable and useful information you provide in this post. Keep up the good work! FYI, shih tzu hair products , slice credit card review, The courage to be disliked book pdf free download,5 Lines on Tiger

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am heartily thankful to you for sharing this best knowledge. This information is helpful for everyone. So please always share this kind of knowledge. Thanks once again for sharing it. pls visit our website trademark lawyer Australia

    ReplyDelete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed material. Fantastic read. Visit here:-property lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for your post. It's very helpful post for us. You can also visit Family law San Antonio for more Victor Steel related information. I would like to thanks for sharing this article here.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I always check this type of advisory post and I found your article which is related to my interest. This is a great way to increase our knowledge for us. Thanks for sharing an article like this. Patent Lawyer Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  30. You have shared a lot of information in this article about delatorre law. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this useful article. Keep posting.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Very good info, This information will always help everyone for gaining important knowledge. So please always share your valuable and essential information. I am very thankful to you for providing good information. Thanks once again for sharing it. pls visit our website Law tutors

    ReplyDelete
  32. Buying a house is a big decision and is likely the most expensive purchase most people will make in their lives. So, it makes sense to get some legal guidance from an expert in real estate law. Real estate lawyers typically review all the legal documents and issues related to a transaction. So if you want to hire the best real estate lawyer you can visit Arturo R. Alfonso, P.A. He is the best real esate layer in Miami. Real estate lawyers near me

    ReplyDelete
  33. The article you've shared here is fantastic because it provides a wealth of information that will be incredibly beneficial to me. Thank you for sharing that. Continue to post. family law

    ReplyDelete
  34. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. Read more info about Bluffton immigration lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  35. I appreciate the time and effort you put into this text. This information is both useful and lavish. I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this text. learn more at ASW law

    ReplyDelete
  36. You've shared such a beautiful collection with us. During this photograph, I appreciated the way you expressed your thoughts. Thank you for sharing your blog with us. bratton law firm in new jersey

    ReplyDelete
  37. You don’t know the law and the full extent of your legal rights and obligations that lawyers do. So when you need a family lawyer you can contact Arturo R. Alfonso, P.A. He is the best family lawyer in Miami. Family attorney Miami

    ReplyDelete
  38. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. legal separation in florida. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  39. You have done great work by publishing this article here. It is useful and convenient info for us. legal separation in florida Keep upgrading our knowledge by share these types of articles.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Israeli Lawyer Moshe Strugano says, The case of a client is solely your concern. Only to the degree that you are required to do so and that is necessary for you to successfully represent your client, disclose that information to the court and to the opposing counsel.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I appreciate the time and effort you put into this text. This information is both useful and lavish. I'd like to Bluffton immigration lawyer express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this text.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great job for publishing such a nice article. Your article isn’t only useful but it is additionally really informative about criminal defense attorney hilton head. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I recently discovered your blog and wanted to Hilton Head Immigration Lawyer express how much I like reading your writings. Thank you for sharing such interesting blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm really impressed with how well this post is written and it's great that you're taking time to give advice to new lawyers. It's sometimes hard to find good advice from experienced lawyers, because they're usually too busy trying to make money or trying to win cases. I think this is going to be a great blog post for many people who are just starting out in their careers.Baytown Nurse Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  45. I really enjoyed reading your article about how to be a successful lawyer. It was very eye-opening and I really appreciated that you explained the law and what it means for lawyers. This is a great post for anyone who is considering becoming a lawyer and I think that everyone needs to hear about this!Baytown Nurse Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love this post! It was so helpful. I read it and learned a lot about how to be a successful lawyer, so I'm happy to have read it. I'm impressed with the quality of your writing, too. You're a great writer!Conroe Nurse Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks for sharing the best information and suggestions about how to become the successful lawyer, it is very nice and very useful to us.
    Ohio employment attorney

    ReplyDelete
  48. The author nicely narrates the 5 essential steps to become a successful lawyer. Thanks for sharing such knowledge gaining article here.

    Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Near Me

    Abogado DUI Chesterfield VA

    ReplyDelete
  49. I really enjoyed reading your blog post on how to be a successful lawyer. I think that you did a great job of explaining how to know the law and how to maintain a high level of ethics. I also found it interesting that you started out by describing how to be a successful lawyer in five parts. I think that this is a great way to break down such a difficult process and make it easier to understand.License Defense Law

    ReplyDelete
  50. really enjoyed reading your article about how to be a successful lawyer. It was very eye-opening and I really appreciated that you explained the law and what it means for lawyers. This is a great post for anyone who is considering becoming a lawyer and I think that everyone needs to hear about this!
    bankruotcy lawyer near me
    bankrupsy lawyer near me

    ReplyDelete
  51. I loved your article on how to be a successful lawyer. You've covered some great topics and I'm glad you included a lot of tips on how to maintain a high level of ethics in the law.
    Fort Worth Nurse Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks for sharing your experience that how to became a Lawyer . This information is very useful and interesting. Seriously , i really enjoyed your blog while reading. If anyone looking for the best Lawyer near your location then you can check our List Of Top Lawyers.

    ReplyDelete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I loved your blog post about forced retirement. I totally agree that it's an age discrimination no-no and I'm glad you explained how to connect with you on other social media sites. I appreciate that you mentioned how to get updates, too!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I loved reading your blog post on how to be a successful lawyer. I enjoy reading your blog and all the advice you give. I'm looking forward to learning more about how to be a successful lawyer.Abilene Nurse Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  56. This post is so useful and valuable to increase our knowledge. I am happy that you have shared great info with us. Grateful to you for sharing an article like trademark search australia this.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I appreciate your work, and also it is a significant article for us. You have mentioned amazing information here aboutFamily lawyer New Orleans . Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for helping us understand this topic. You have written it in a way that makes it very simple to understand. Thank you so much.Speeding Ticket Attorney

    ReplyDelete
  59. The information you have shared here is really informative. I got some great knowledge from this post. Keep Posting.hearsay in court

    ReplyDelete
  60. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post!
    Estate-planning-lawyer Near Me

    ReplyDelete
  61. I think this approach could really help me and I really enjoyed reading your post and learning from your perspective. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. proceso de divorcio no disputado en virginia

    ReplyDelete