This blog is written by Andrea Debak, a Law Graduate of University of Split

INTRODUCTION

Many people associate attorneys with schooling and non-stop learning, but usually after graduation, many lawyer trainees are confused because they realize it is irrelevant how well they did academically. After all, at the end of the day, attorneys work with people. Attorneys are experts in the legal and judicial system. They interpret laws on behalf of their clients, research and analyze legal issues, represent clients in court, and prepare legal documents such as wills, contracts, and lawsuits.[1] Having that in mind, attorneys must be persuasive and good in non-verbal communication as well as reading others. That skill helps them to take the best approach in certain cases and understand the client’s concerns.

The hiring process in a law firm is most often overlooked because employers are usually focused on education, certificates, etc. Instead of only that they should also search for a candidate who has the right skill set which is inevitable in that type of job. Aspiring lawyers need to think about their social and emotional skills, their resilience, as well as their intellectual skills.[2] Having previous in mind it is important to develop effective strategies for hiring the right people and making high productive team.

Having a successful law firm hinges on hiring great attorneys who will drive your business forward. On the contrary, poor hiring decisions can result in low efficiency and client dissatisfaction.

So what should be the main criteria for finding a good attorney?

Firstly, it is important to make recruitment plans and to identify the needs of the law firm as well as determine your requirements. That will help to create a good job description that will attract appropriate candidates for that job position.

Also, the employer should be clear about what responsibilities and duties he expects for certain job positions. While it is obvious that the attorney position includes going to court hearings, writing legal articles, and having meetings with clients that also implies certain qualities attorney candidate should have:

Some of them surely are:

- strong analytical skills

- communication, social skills, and emotional intelligence

- organizational skills

- attention to detail, research skills

- logical thinking and problem-solving

- strong work ethic and patience

- integrity and ethical judgment

It is well known that attorneys usually deal with large amounts of information and for that strong analytical skills help them comprehend and absorb all those information, break down complex information into smaller and pick out the most essential details. Similarly, a proactive attorney can summarize cases, draw meaningful conclusions, and distill them down into something meaningful.

Then, communication skills mean being able to explain certain things in a clear way as well as listening and understanding the client’s needs and concerns. Also, effective communication involves the ability to persuade others with your arguments as well as drawing legal documents. Another important attorney skill is social skill and emotional intelligence or the ability to interact well with others and understand people’s needs and feelings.

Social skills are indispensable for lawyers seeking to build rapport and foster positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.[3]

The legal proceedings can be never-ending. It would be best to have an attorney who will constantly strive towards achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Furthermore, for a good attorney, it is inevitable to manage time effectively and meet deadlines. That can especially help the ability to prioritize tasks and work accordingly.

Moreover, attorneys face often difficult and complex legal issues that require logical thinking and problem-solving skills. That helps them find solutions, identify the best course of action as well as develop arguments, and resolve legal disputes.

In addition to that, the attorney should pay close attention to every piece of information because in legal work small mistakes can make big issues. For example, if deadlines are not met that can result in big damage for clients. Research also plays a big role because it includes finding relevant information, evidence, and case decisions. It is essential for preparing legal strategies.

The next on the list of good attorney skills is a strong work ethic and patience. Even though a lot of people associate attorneys with lying, on the contrary, they have to be upfront and honest. Clients don’t need an attorney to sugarcoat things, they need clear and direct feedback and exact information.

Legal cases can be long and challenging so patience and willingness to preserve help an attorney stay committed and will carry him often to the successful completion of a case.

Finally, integrity and ethical judgment are the top most quality of good attorney because being honest and ability to discern what is right and what is wrong helps them earn the trust of the clients as well as the courts. Integrity ensures that attorney act in the best interest of their clients and in that manner maintain a good reputation.

CONCLUSION

Recruiting in the legal sector requires a deep understanding of its unique challenges and a commitment to attracting professionals who not only possess the necessary skills but also align with the ethical standards of the profession. By applying the strategies outlined in this guide, you can build a team that contributes to the success and integrity of your legal practice.[4]

Emotional intelligence is the linchpin of success in the legal profession. By prioritizing the development of emotional intelligence alongside legal expertise, lawyers can forge meaningful connections, navigate challenging situations, and uphold ethical standards with grace and integrity. [5]

REFERENCES:

[1] Cecilia Seiter, Valerie Catalano J.D., Ben Cooper, ‘How To Become A Lawyer: Education, Salary And Job Outlook’ 2024. How To Become A Lawyer: Education, Salary And Job Outlook, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/law/become-a-lawyer/#:~:text=How%20To%20Become%20a%20Lawyer%201%20Earn%20a,Fitness%20Requirements%20...%206%20Take%20Your%20Oath%20, accessed on 25. September 2024.

[2]Linda Sugin, law professor at Fordham University School of Law in New York, https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/articles/how-to-become-a-lawyer-a-step-by-step-guide#:~:text=The%20Law%20School%20Admission%20Test,%20or%20LSAT, accessed on 25. September 2024.

[3] Elizabeth Beesley, ‘The Essential Emotional Intelligence Skills for Successful Lawyers’ 2024., https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/school-leaver-law-careers/becoming-a-lawyer/the-essential-emotional-intelligence-skills-for-successful-lawyers#:~:text=Self-awareness%20serves%20as%20the%20cornerstone, accessed on 25. September 2024.

[4] TalentLyft, Content team, ‘How to hire in legal industry’ 2024. https://www.talentlyft.com/template/how-to-hire-in-the-legal-industry#:~:text=This%20guide%20delves%20into%20the%20nuances%20of, accessed on 25. September 2024.

[5] Elizabeth Beesley, ‘The Essential Emotional Intelligence Skills for Successful Lawyers’, 2024. https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/school-leaver-law-careers/becoming-a-lawyer/the-essential-emotional-intelligence-skills-for-successful-lawyers#:~:text=Self-awareness%20serves%20as%20the%20cornerstone, accessed on 25. September 2024.