An attorney has the responsibility to guide his client through the legal system with expertise and discretion. Good lawyers are able to influence the outcome of a client's case. There are a number of things it takes to be a successful lawyer. However, the success of a lawyer also depends on how one assesses the size of his success.
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Part 1 of 5: Knowing the Law
Step 1. Know the information
Stay up-to-date with the latest information about your legal field. Be aware of new developments, as laws and regulations change frequently and there are new cases being set every day. Every day the state introduces new legislation that will affect your area of law. State laws also change regularly.
Step 2. Do research if necessary
If you have an unusual case involving an issue you've never dealt with before, take the time to do some legal research and find the answer. Don't assume you know everything, even if you've been practicing law in the same area of law for several years. New problems and cases arise every day, and you need to do some research to find a solution for your case.
Legal research methods have changed drastically over the last 20 years. Make sure you are familiar with the most recent electronic research methods. If you subscribe to Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw, two of the most recognized online legal research firms, you can also get extensive training using the app
Step 3. Attend a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar
Not only are you required to achieve a certain number of hours of participation at CLE each year to maintain your license to practice law, but you will also gain valuable legal knowledge at these seminars. Often you will hear experts in their respective fields of law at these seminars and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. In addition, attending a CLE seminar will give you the opportunity to network and exchange information with fellow lawyers in your legal field.
Part 2 of 5: Learning Important Skills
Step 1. Practice critical thinking
To be a successful lawyer, you must be able to look at legal issues from all sides in order to find the best solution. Proper analysis will not only help you identify legal issues, but will also help you develop strong legal arguments to support your client's position.
- Make sure you have a clear understanding of all the relevant facts before jumping to conclusions.
- Don't always depend on the client to tell you everything right away. A client often will not immediately provide information just like that because he does not know what is important and what is not important. Ask the necessary questions to find out the required information.
Step 2. Develop your writing skills
Lawyers often underestimate the writing skills needed to be successful lawyers. In fact, a lawyer spends a considerable amount of time filling out applications and other paperwork for courts. Almost all of these documents require some level of writing skill. You will be much more likely to strengthen your client's position if you can write effectively. As a general rule, you need to create written arguments like the following:
- Clarify the facts in your case.
- Identify the legal problem.
- Determine which laws or regulations apply to the issue you are working on.
- Apply the law to the facts in your case.
- Draw conclusions based on the laws you have applied to the facts of your case.
Step 3. Practice your oral communication skills
All successful lawyers have great communication skills, whether it's speaking before a court, to other attorneys, a jury, or their clients. They must be able to convey the client's position at trial, effectively question witnesses, argue with jurors, and convince clients to hire them.
- In the case of a client, an attorney must be able to obtain all the necessary information from the client to represent him or her with sensitivity and discretion. Lawyers must be able to convince potential clients that he or she is the right attorney to represent them.
- Prosecutors must also communicate effectively with other attorneys. In doing so, he or she can work out an agreement that is acceptable to all parties involved and negotiate on behalf of their clients effectively.
- In the face of trial, the prosecutor must be able to present arguments regarding his client's position in an effective and concise manner without compromising respect for the other party's attorney or the court, which may not always accept his client's position.
Step 4. Get to know the court where you usually practice
Each court has its own practice, and court staff can be invaluable people to provide you with information you wouldn't know otherwise. While you may not be able to discuss specific cases with judges, they are often willing to discuss scenarios of facts and legal points with you and give you an opinion.
Step 5. Run a trial training seminar
Some national organizations offer trial training for lawyers who represent clients in courtrooms on a regular basis. While every judge and courtroom is different to some degree, there are certain trial techniques that can be of value to you in any court setting. Court training seminars can help you learn and improve your trial practice skills.
Step 6. Join a local, regional, or national legal association
When you're with other attorneys, you can learn from more experienced attorneys and exchange ideas. Legal associations often sponsor CLE seminars and other learning opportunities that can be invaluable for your professional development. You can also develop a network with lawyers you can turn to for advice if you have questions about a particular case. You can also participate in community service through your legal association.
Step 7. Find a mentor
Every attorney, regardless of age, needs a prosecutor with more experience with whom to discuss cases, examine arguments, and get answers to your questions. This relationship will provide an opportunity for you to increase your knowledge and test your ideas with others before bringing them to court.
Part 3 of 5: Showing Courtesy to Clients, Coworkers, and Judges
Step 1. Speak to judges and court staff with respect
Listen to them without interrupting the conversation. Your professionalism will depend on the way you carry yourself. Being rude to judges or staff will have no impact on either you or your clients.
Step 2. Use tact and courtesy when dealing with clients
He may feel uneasy or don't like what you have to say, but try to see the situation from his point of view. However, don't let your clients hurt you verbally or make unreasonable requests of you. You don't have to represent every client who comes to you, and you shouldn't!
Step 3. Listen to your clients
Never judge, just listen and give advice. Even if your client has made a bad decision, which he will certainly do at some point during the process on your behalf, figure out the best way to resolve the situation and move on with the process.
Step 4. Be honest with the court, your colleagues, and your clients
Being dishonest will get you nowhere and earn you a reputation for dishonesty. Plus, your clients won't trust you, which means you won't be hired by your clients anymore. In extreme cases, dishonesty can jeopardize your license to practice law if your state's bar association learns that you have violated the rules of professional conduct that govern all attorneys.
Step 5. Ask the witness questions appropriately
When interrogating witnesses, ask appropriate questions relating to the trial. Don't mock the witness if he gets emotional, but maintain a professional distance as well. Bear in mind that special treatment must be applied to underage witnesses or victims of violent crimes. The judge and/or jury will judge you by the way you treat others during the trial.
Part 4 of 5: Maintaining High Ethics
Step 1. Keep prosecutors and clients confidential
A client's case is nobody else's business but yours. Disclose such information in court and with your counterparty only to the extent that you are required to do so and necessary to represent your client effectively.
Step 2. Follow the state's rules of professional conduct for lawyers
Each state has a set of rules of professional conduct that govern the behavior of all lawyers. If you fail to follow these rules, you run the risk of receiving disciplinary action, which could result in a suspension or revocation of your license to practice law.
Step 3. Obey the law
If you commit a crime, you will not only be penalized through the criminal justice system, but also subject to professional disciplinary action. Depending on your criminal form, you may also lose your job.
Part 5 of 5: Making Changes
Step 1. Remember that your success can't always be measured by your pay
Sometimes, a pro bono case or a case you get paid less for is the one that can help you make the most significant changes. Getting paid in the ten digits is not a success for every lawyer. Many prosecutors who work in legal aid, government offices, and other low-paying jobs are already very happy with their careers and making big changes in the lives of others.
Step 2. Recognize that there are other paths to a successful career
Some lawyers consider themselves successful as partners in powerful law firms. Others are content to make money with their single practice. And some still consider non-profit or public interest work as the key to success in their lives. In the end, a successful career as a lawyer is what success means to you, not anyone else.
Step 3. Control your stress
Prosecutors often work long hours and face stressful situations on a daily basis. Learn how to relieve and control stress from day to day. This step will allow you to think more clearly and calmly and be more effective in your work.
Step 4. Be happy with your career choice
It can be hard to enjoy or be successful in a career you don't like. If you don't enjoy your job, find a job that works best for you and you can truly enjoy.
