Obviously someone with drive and education, but I'm talking about natural ability. What personality traits are common with great lawyers?
2006-08-21 15:52:21 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Ability to think logically and objectively. Take a practice LSAT to see if you have what it takes.
2006-08-21 15:58:25 · answer #1 · answered by GrammarPolice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends a lot on what you need the lawyer to do, what kind of obstacles you're facing, etc. If you need representation in a contract dispute or divorce proceedings, you need someone with experience, and someone who will really concentrate on your case. Sometimes smooth talk is the best skill to have, sometimes aggressiveness, sometimes raw intelligence and analytical ability.
If you're the smallest, least important client of a high-profile lawyer, you might get shafted in favor of bigger fish. If you need someone to find the chink in your opponent's armor, an analytical mind will be better than an aggressive one. Figure out the nuances of your problem, and decide based on your individual circumstances whether the candidate will do a good job.
If you have doubts, interview several and then decide. Don't just go with the first person.
2006-08-21 16:11:28 · answer #2 · answered by bluestocking 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two different aspects.
One is the ability to tell a story, and convince people to believe you. That's essential to being a good litigator, and is very much similar to the ability of most salesmen to make a sale.
The other, which applies to procedural and transactional attorneys, is the ability to think from many different perspectives. This requires being able to detach your personal and emotional beliefs from your reasoning ability, and to be able to argue coherently from an utterly opposing viewpoint. This allows the lawyer to process all of the relevant legal arguments, and to anticipate legal problems before they arise.
The one common trait, in addition to anything else, is the ability to see both the big picture and the details, and to not lose one when focusing on the other.
2006-08-21 16:01:15 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In truth you won't know and cannot (normally) predict until they enter the profession and start practicing law. Lawyers specialize, and not all of them are criminal lawyers as you see making a dramatic point in front of a jury. A corporate lawyer, or family lawyer, divorce lawyer, will and trust lawyer, real estate lawyer, personal injury lawyer ....just to name a few ....all have different ways they go about their work. Each specialization may require different attributes, so if a person entering law did not have the interest in one form of law, he may shine in another area.
2006-08-21 16:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by nothing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good lawyer is one who keeps his client away from legal problems when he is asked for his advice on anything. A good lawyer is one who not only give good advice on how to achieve a goal but one who can do so with the minimum of fuss and trouble. A good lawyer is also one who when you get into trouble gets you out of them without putting you into more inconvenience and finally, a good lawyer is one who has the courage to take on the most difficult task without making it seem like one.
2006-08-21 17:16:27 · answer #5 · answered by ancalagon2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Likes to argue. And wins.
2006-08-21 15:57:57 · answer #6 · answered by da_hammerhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are good at arguing or persuading people.
2006-08-21 15:59:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone who LISTENS to you!
2006-08-21 15:58:31 · answer #8 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋