Are you right for the job?
Thinking of a career as a lawyer? Check out this list of skills and learn how to develop them.
Analytical Skills
Lawyers have to be able to understand and use complex legal concepts. They must also break down complicated issues in order to find the best solution for their clients.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You often guess the ending to a suspense movie or crime novel.
- You find it easy to understand new material at school.
- You are curious and like to work on complex problems, such as Sudoku.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Read interesting books and tell your friends about them in your own words.
- Watch informative TV shows and documentaries on a variety of subjects, such as politics, technology or sciences.
- Play games that require logic and strategy, such as chess, checkers or Risk.
Ability to Interact with Others
Lawyers must work with many people such as clients, witnesses, colleagues, court staff, etc. They must be able to make a good first impression, earn the trust of their clients, and be convincing at what they do.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You know how to make friends easily.
- You adapt quickly to people from different cultures, backgrounds and ages.
- You can negotiate with friends to solve problems.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Register in an extra-curricular activity where you don’t know anyone else.
- Become a youth mediator to help other kids in your school resolve their differences.
- Get in the habit of introducing yourself first to people you don’t know and start conversations with them.
Firmness
A lawyer can’t be shy when it comes to defending the interests of their clients. They must also be able to negotiate with the other side while standing their ground.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You can defend a very controversial position during a discussion, even if all your friends disagree with you.
- You are clear with your feelings when you are not happy with certain situations, such as when someone shows up late for a meeting.
- You know how to keep control of the situation and be firm about the rules when you are babysitting.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Work with children as an assistant coach or become the referee of a sport.
- Get in the habit of staying firm in your decisions and ideas.
- Establish a budget for the next year and stick to it despite the temptation to spend, with the goal of saving and buying something you really want.
Management Skills
Lawyers must be able to juggle many responsibilities while also getting things done efficiently and effectively. They act as leaders, but also work in teams with other lawyers, paralegals, and assistants.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You have lots of ideas for projects and are able to get people interested in these projects.
- You take initiative when working as part of a group.
- You can juggle many activities in a day and you are rarely overwhelmed by events.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Run for class president.
- Become a committee member for your school or your local youth centre.
- Become a camp counsellor, which will require you to plan the day’s activities and ensure that everyone follows the schedule.
