How to be a successful lawyer

So you want to be a lawyer? Well, that’s awesome. But how about being a super successful lawyer? How’s that for a career goal? In this article you will learn what separates successful lawyers from average ones and a silent but crucial element to all of this. With the rapidly growing competition in the legal ecosystem, lawyers must prioritize higher productivity is by learning how to manage their work time more judiciously. 

We are all running against time, hence, being highly efficient and productive is the only way to stay ahead. Before we dive into those the meaty stuff, let us look at what it takes to become a lawyer, some different law specialties, various roles of a lawyer, and how to ensure you perform at the top of your game.

What do lawyers actually do?

A lawyer is a professional who is qualified to offer advice about the law or represent someone in legal matters. A lawyer can also be called an attorney, a solicitor, a counselor, and a barrister. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in a criminal or civil trial by presenting evidence and arguing in support of their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest courses of action in business and personal matters while as attorneys they research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply the laws to the specific circumstances of the client.

To understand how laws and the legal system work, lawyers must go through special schooling and standards that must be met before a person is licensed to practice law. These standards differ based on the rules of the country. However, before being allowed to practice law in most countries, a person must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Complete law school.
• Pass a state bar examination, which usually lasts for two or three days. The exam tests knowledge in selected areas of law. There are also required tests on professional ethics and responsibility.
• Pass a character and fitness review. Applicants for law licenses must be approved by a committee that investigates character and background.
• Take an oath, usually swearing to support the laws and the state and federal constitutions.
• Receive a license from the highest court in the state, usually the state supreme court.

Lawyers seeking to be licensed in more than one state must comply with each state’s bar admission requirements. Some states permit licensed out-of-state lawyers to practice law if they have done so in another state for several years and the new state’s highest court approves. Many states also have provisions for lawyers to participate in specific cases in states where they are not licensed. The lawyer in such a case is said to be appearing pro hoc vice, which means “for this one particular occasion”.

Understanding what it means to be a lawyer, every lawyer must find his niche to be productive. Finding a niche that you are passionate about can make your legal career much more meaningful, enjoyable and give you a greater chance of building a reputation that continually attracts clients.

Types of Lawyers

There are several types of lawyers available in the legal market, some of which are:

• Civil Litigation Lawyer (Trial Attorney)
• Criminal Defense Lawyer.
• Defamation Lawyer (Libel and Slander Attorney) 
• Business Lawyer (litigation or transactional) 
• Family Lawyer (Domestic Relations Attorney; Divorce Lawyer) 
• Entertainment Lawyer 
• Trusts and Estates Lawyer. 
• Immigration Lawyer.
• Personal Injury Lawyer
• Estate Planning Lawyer
• Bankruptcy Lawyer
• Immigration Lawyer
• General Practice Lawyer
• Real estate lawyer

Irrespective of the type of lawyer you may decide to be, all lawyers have the same sense of duty towards their clients. As a lawyer, it is your duty to

• Advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.
• Communicate with your clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.
• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Present facts in writing and verbally to your clients or others and argue on behalf of your clients.
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds.

Now that you are aware of who a lawyer is, how to become a lawyer, the types of lawyers we have, and your duty as a lawyer, it is important to discuss how to become a productive lawyer.

What Makes a Great Lawyer?

Being a lawyer with a difference is not all about the dos and don’ts. It is about the conscious effort you make to be different. There is no formula to becoming a successful lawyer, however, you must:

• Build trust with clients.
• Choose your clients wisely.
• Network with other lawyers
• Have a goal.
• Be innovative.
• Work with a mentor
• Choose an area of specialization.
• Develop good communication skills.
• Maintain integrity and
• Be persistent. 

Are you ready to start your journey to becoming a successful lawyer?

There’s no better way than obtaining a law degree from the prestigious University of Law in United Kingdom. It’s the oldest and most reputable law institution being around for several decades and producing tons of successful lawyers and business leaders. 

ULaw’s courses are taught in a realistic, professional, and contemporary context, with plenty of practical interactive engagement. This is made possible as a substantial part of their teaching faculty is comprised lawyers and business leaders actively running their own practices. This is what sets the University of Law apart from other universities.

Why Study At University of Law?

University of law (ULaw) is one of the UK’s longest-established specialist providers of legal education, originating in 1876 with the formation of tutorial firm Gibson & Weldon and expanding in 2016 with the opening of its Business School. With a rich heritage and a reputation for innovation and contemporary teaching practices, the University of Law continuously focuses on developing the best legal and business minds.

At the University of Law, all courses are designed with a unique, varied, and innovative learning approach proven to deliver self-reliant professionals who can compete in the fast-changing professional world. With a focus on developing skills in problem-solving, weighing up arguments, critical thinking, and commercial awareness, ULaw prepare you for the real-life challenges of the working world.

The University of Law has a track record of excellence in learning and development that has helped establish worldwide connections within the legal and business industries. This is why many leading global law firms and businesses work exclusively with ULaw to develop their people, employers of all types want to meet its students, and professional bodies enter into strategic alliances with the school.

It also has over 250 tutors who are qualified lawyers and business professionals, with extensive practical experience which they can pass on to its students. University of law facilitate this process with high levels of student-to-tutor contact time and small class sizes, making it a top choice for firms to send their trainees’.

Similarly, the University of Law promotes many international partnerships that allow the school to provide a rounded, global outlook to business and law, which widens access and participation within legal and business education. 

Furthermore, the University of Law is focused on the employability of its students. ULaw focuses exclusively on practice-based training and gives students access to expert Careers and Employability service databases upon acceptance. Students also benefit from pioneering and award-winning pro bono programs, which allow you to gain valuable work experience by helping real clients from the local community.

Michelle & Anthony Consulting is an authorized representative of the University of Law in Nigeria and Africa, and we offer superior end-to-end support to guide you all through the process from course selection, and application up until you settle down to study either physically in UK or 100% online.

Begin your journey on becoming a successful lawyer today. 

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