All human beings are gifted in their own small, little ways. Thus, it is certainly good to know that all of us stand gifted. However, the real challenge lies at the identification of this gift finding out what it is that we are good at. This is important as this defines a lot about our future; making our success dependant on its realization. It is this realization that takes an otherwise ordinary individual above the ordinary. It is this alignment of strengths with careers that makes us excel as professionals.
There are tests profiling test, psychometric test etc. that help people identify their key strengths and suitability in a particular role however these are generic techniques to find the fit and suitability. To be more precise, it may be a good idea to compare an individuals interests and traits to the expected set of competencies for being successful in a particular career option/profession. The current article focuses on the general qualities / traits that are needed to become a lawyer.
Flair for Reading, Writing and Listening
Lawyers on an everyday basis deal with a great deal of information, often on topics with which they may not be completely familiar with. The ability to sieve out information from lengthy, complex texts is essential. Equally important is the ability to listen to clients / stakeholders and to understand their issues and concerns. The drafts, opinions and submissions require a great deal of precise writing skills as well. As these are core skills for being successful at this profession, it may be a good idea to do a self analysis and see if these are the strong areas for an individual.
Strong Analytical Skills
Lawyers are expected to be strong in their concepts and analysis. They are expected to be quick at the identification of fundamental elements of any given problem. More often than not Lawyers have to deal with original issues with very little prior knowledge. They are expected to understand the core issues and merits that are involved in a given circumstance / case. More often than not, the technical issues are understood by drawing equivalent analogies and parallels as it is usually beyond the scope of the available time to become domain specialists. This is what makes strong analytical skills of prime importance.
Amalgamation of Ideas
The evolution of laws has been highly chaotic. On one issue, more often than not there may co-exist many pieces of legislation (laws) independent of each other. As a consequence when dealing with an issue, its a very common practice to read many laws in conjunction with each other to validate ones arguments and point of view.
In order to arrive at an opinion or conclusion, or to form a case in point it is very important to see the big picture which may be a culmination of variety of complex issues.
Orientation for Research
The practice of law is highly precedent based. A precedent is a decided case by a superior court of law which results into formation of an opinion in any matter. In order to make a convincing case it is very important that the outcome sought be supported by multiple precedents.
For being successful at this research orientation is a must have. It takes days of research to find relevant precedents and their importance is second to none for obtaining a favourable judgment. Thus, people who love spending long hours with books are well suited for the profession as for lawyers sleepless nights are aplenty; that they spend reading judgments of various courts of law.
Being Compelling: Supporting the Clients Cause
A lawyers responsibility also includes representing the clients particular point of view and to act in the best interest as vigorously as possible. The legal system across different jurisdiction assumes that equitable solutions emerge as a result of representation of opposite interests to the maximum possible extent. The success of this adversarial system of law depends upon the capability of the lawyers who work as advocates within it to bring out the case of their respective clients in the most convincing way possible.
Counselling and Consultation
To advice and consult the clients and stakeholders if one of the primary functions of a lawyer. Whenever a problem arises; going to a court of law is considered the last recourse when everything else has failed. Thus, a lawyer has to make considerable effort to resort to alternate dispute resolution measures. The process starts with counselling and consultation by creating an amicable situation. Although ironical, yet preventing litigation is seen as a major deliverable for lawyers especially so in the corporate environments as it saves a lot of time and costs involved with litigation.
Needless to say, it takes special skills for someone to act as a mediator and to bring adversaries to an amicable solution.
Other than that, even when there is no dispute, Lawyers advice is sought at every step of business at the beginning and expansion of every venture to ensure compliance with all the applicable laws. This is where the lawyer has to step into the shoes of a consultant. With every policy change a lawyers perspective becomes important.
Good Memory and Recall
With age lawyers gain experience and grace. The idea behind is, with the passage of time their knowledge grows to encyclopedic levels. This knowledge is a direct consequence of good memory and recall. The ability to put every legislation or case that the lawyer has ever read or has come across, to use it wherever there is a need, an appropriate case or an opportunity; makes one successful at this profession.
If you think that you dont have some of these qualities and you still want to become a lawyer dont lose heart, as this is just an indicative list and not an authoritative one. Some of these qualities may also be developed in course of time. So you need not wait for a time when you get to possess all of these qualities. Take up law the courseware and the subsequent practice would automatically mould you for what is required. Always remember where there is will, there would always be a way! Good Luck!
