Lawyers Job Description, Duties & Salary

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

As an undergraduate student, try to participate in an internship at a courthouse, law firm, or other legal employer. Additionally, many private public defense organizations offer internships. While in law school, it's a good idea to participate in a judicial clerkship. A clerkship with a judge will provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at the court system and the issues judges and lawyers deal with daily. Participation in school-sponsored legal clinics, in practice trials under the supervision of experienced attorneys, and in your school’s moot court competitions also provide excellent experience.

Successful lawyers have excellent oral and written communication skills. They should have a strong, clear speaking voice so as to convey confidence in courtroom and other legal settings. Lawyers must be able to explain complex legal concepts to their clients during legal consultations, as well as convince the judge and jury to decide in their client's favor. Other important traits include good listening skills; the ability to work well with people; excellent organizational, research, and litigation skills; a detail-oriented personality; strong ethics; good reasoning abilities; the ability to effectively negotiate; and the ability to find creative solutions to problems, such as complex court cases.

Related Professions

Featured Companies