The Importance of Effective Communication for Attorneys

Without the communication component, attorneys would be obsolete. The important aspects of communication which attorneys must posses are language skills, reading and oral comprehension, oral communication skills, critical thinking skills, as well as computer skills. (Educational Preparation - Necessary Skills, 2004)

Communication is the cornerstone for being an effective attorney. From the time that the student enters law school, and proceeds to work their way towards becoming an attorney, they are taught how to effectively communicate. Communication for an attorney is more than just conversation. The importance of communication is to ensure that the attorney's are able to represent themselves in a professional mannerism, as well as their clientèle.

The ability to use effective communication in the workplace for an attorney is a learned process. Attorneys must be able to speak clearly and concisely in both writing and verbally. Writing is a skill, which is imperative to the success of an attorney in (his or her) workplace. In the modern workplace, attorneys spend the majority of their time drafting legal documents such as briefs and contracts. For an attorney to be considered effective in their career; they must be able to utilize professional writing and oral communication at all times.

Reading and oral comprehension are also essential tools for effective communication. Attorneys are expected to memorize and recall large quantities of legal material. From this recollection of information, they absorb new information, which expands on their "framework of legal knowledge." (Educational Preparation, - Necessary Skills, 2004) Communication within this area of practicing law is especially important because of the continually changing laws, statues and codes. Attorneys are responsible for being able to decipher the exact meaning of what these laws mean, and utilize the information to pursue their cases as needed.

The next area that is of great importance is oral communication. Attorneys must be able to speak in public. The usage of proper rhetoric is key to presenting an effective position, especially for those attorneys who work primarily in the courts. This is primal skill for people who are involved in such professions as district attorney, public defender or litigator. (Educational Preparation-Necessary Skills, 2004)

Critical thinking skills are equally important as the other aforementioned skills. Critical thinking is intertwined closely with effective communication because it involves reasoning, which enables the attorney to prepare a logical argument, or analyze the validity of a case. Attorneys are expected to solve complex problems, which involve analytical thinking. Without the use of effective communication attorneys cannot do their jobs properly. Attorneys must be able to think on their feet, and ask questions to have a concise comprehension of their responsibilities at hand.

The last essential means of effective communication is that of computer skills. The widespread use of computers has tremendously impacted the legal profession. Most of the research that is conducted by paralegals or attorneys is done via the World Wide Web. E-mail is also common within the work place. Caution must be used when emailing due to the monotone voice that it carries with the message. With e-mail, things can easily be taken out of context if they are not written in a clear mannerism. The use of word processing has also been quite beneficial to the legal profession. Considering that attorneys primarily write contracts, decrees and other legal documents, the use of precision communication is indispensable. Attorneys must be frank and to the point while maintaining the utmost professionalism.

In summary, all of the skills that enable the attorney to do their job correctly are essential to effective communication in the workplace. Attorneys deal with people by representing them, whether it is a whole corporation, the government (local or federal), or a private party. Although effective communication is not limited to those in the legal profession, it is important for all people to convey their messages without confusion.