There are very few sectors that have been completely unaffected by the events of the last two years. Even as we keep working towards that better new normal in the coming year, it is important to remember that many of these seismic changes that we have witnessed are here to stay. There are people out there who believe that the legal profession is something steady and unmoving, but the fact of the matter is that it is constantly evolving. If you are looking to study law, here are a few things that you need to remember.
The Field Is Competitive
If you are thinking of studying law, then you should be aware that this is an extremely competitive marketplace. In 2019, over 130,000 people enrolled in accredited law schools in the US alone. You will need to be driven if you want to succeed in this arena.
You Will Need To Anticipate Disruption
The marketplace may be competitive, but lawyers are still in incredibly high demand. Following the disruption of the last couple of years, companies everywhere are requesting legal help and there will be further litigation as the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt. Meanwhile, there are technological advances that are changing the way legal research is done, not to mention bringing up challenging questions regarding privacy and policy. Legal courses in law or compliance can give legal professionals as well as business owners the grounding they need to be able to anticipate and deal with these disruptive forces in the marketplace.
Organizational Skills Are Crucial
This point may not come as a surprise but a keen eye for detail is an absolute necessity. You will be dealing with a huge amount of admin and paperwork. You will need to make sure that your team is kept in the loop on every development. You may be juggling different case responsibilities at once. Your organization and time management will need to be demonstrable for any potential employers.
Team Players Will Go Far
The popular image of the lawyer that we often see in films and on television is of a solitary figure dazzling the courtroom with their talent. The reality is that if you want to win cases, then you will need to learn how to be a part of a team. Law firms like to reward their team players, and there are a lot of people who contribute towards the successful resolution of any case, from colleagues and partners to the clerks. Demonstrate your willingness to dig in and pull your weight.
Work On Your Communication
Communication has such a huge role to play in any legal professional’s skillset. You will of course need to be able to argue your case, but there is much more to it than that. You need to be able to talk to clients about issues that may be extremely sensitive. You need to be able to build long-lasting relationships with colleagues. You will also need to have excellent written communication skills, as much of your work will involve writing and drafting documents.
