Are you an aspiring solicitor? Or are you desperately looking for one? Whether you’re the former or the latter, you must understand that becoming a qualified solicitor to work with people and for people, as well as finding one, isn’t like a walk in the park.
Years and years of experience, an extreme level of intelligence, unparalleled compassion for the people you’ll be working with are some of the attributes and skills that you should acquire. Furthermore, it takes a long time for an aspiring solicitor to build his/her name and reputation in the industry.
On that note, this list will lead you as you pave your way for being a competent solicitor or guide you to find the best solicitor to call for legal advice. Without further ado, learn these skills and traits that solicitors must possess.
Character Checklist #1: Solicitors must possess a genuine level of intelligence.
First on the list is intelligence. Solicitors must possess a distinct level of intelligence, same with how other professions expect a person to acquire the trait. With a genuine level of intelligence, solicitors can communicate with their clients efficiently.
Also, solicitors must exhibit a specific level of intelligence to analyse their clients’ concerns. Moreover, intelligence will enable them to alleviate conflicts, develop their relationship with their clients, and empathise with their clients the professional and proper way.
Some firms might refer to the exam results or educational attainment of solicitors. However, presenting applaudable exam results or a ten-page credential doesn’t always reflect the solicitors’ level intelligence.
Character Checklist #2: Solicitors must possess an excellent level of communication skills, both verbally and written.
The phrase that says “communication is key” applies to all professions and industries. That means that solicitors must also acquire an outstanding level of communication skills not only verbally, but also in writing.
Along with excellent communication skills, either verbally or in writing, solicitors must also be an effective listener. With this combination of skills, the legal procedures will likely go as smooth as possible.
Even if solicitors are in private practice, an excellent level of communication skills is still essential to communicate with external and internal clients and colleagues.
Character Checklist #3: Solicitors must be skilled in logical reasoning.
A legal case can either win or lose in court. But the results rely on the ability of solicitors to utilise the handful of details and information they have to show signs of victory on the horizon.
No matter how little details and information solicitors have in their hands, their skills in logical reasoning may further and win the case. It also takes a competent analytical skill for solicitors to deliver positive results in the table.
Character Checklist #4: Solicitors must possess a high level of dedication or motivation regardless of the circumstances.
Solicitors must also possess the traits of being self-motivated and dedicated no matter the circumstances. In the industry, solicitors might have less to no time for themselves as they must stay responsive to their clients’ concerns regardless of the time.
With dedication and motivation, solicitors won’t find it hard to accomplish a task accurately and effectively. Also, solicitors must stay dedicated and motivated whether they’re in private practice or an in-house job.
Character Checklist #5: Solicitors must possess absolute resilience.
Resilience is crucial for solicitors to interact with different people externally and internally. Solicitors aren’t safe from criticisms or accomplishing monotonous tasks.
With absolute resilience, solicitors may endure change, stress, unpredictability, and other kinds of mishaps. Compared to those low-resilience solicitors, resilient solicitors are likely more capable of facing and overcoming different challenges and difficulties that they may encounter in the industry.
No words can depict the complex profession of solicitors as it’s never easy to sail in the seas of legal services and law industry. Legal cases and clients’ concerns may differ from one another, which may require intellect and skills that are second to none.
Whether you’re an aspiring solicitor or set to hiring one anytime soon, don’t forget to check the following traits and skills stated above. Also, help spread the word by sharing this article with your colleagues and family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kath Ramirez took up journalism as her Bachelor’s Degree with library and information science on the side. She now writes for Mcauley Hawach, an Australian-based legal services provider. After a busy working week, you’ll either see her binge-watch on Netflix, cuddling with her fur babies, bonding with her family or devouring her mom and sisters’ homemade goodies.
