Transferable Skills Learned In Law School, Part 2

Transferable Skills Learned In Law School, Part 2

Transferable Skills Learned In Law School, Part 2

The skills learned by law students are obviously useful to them as attorneys but are also transferable to any type of business enterprise. This is the second part of an article on those skills learned in law school that are universally transferable.

The following is based on the book, “The Road Not Taken,” by Kathy Grant and Wendy Werner, the authors outline the skills obtained from the typical tasks, such as studying and participating in Moot Court competitions, associated with law school.

Strong motivational skills

This may include the ability to work under pressure, the ability to complete projects, and the ability to coordinate multiple responsibilities). Law students react to extreme pressure while balancing the immense workload of law school. Law students are required to meet strict deadlines. Law students are also expected to have the ability to complete projects as a function of being perceived to have a history of success. Employers highly prize these skills.

The ability to be a self-starter

Law students spend much of their time studying independently. Even working as a law clerk typically exposes law students to working unsupervised. Every employer appreciates employees who are self-starters and self-motivated.

The ability to work in a group setting

Law students who work with other students in Moot Court, trial skills competitions, or study groups, are familiar with teamwork skills. It is a valuable transferable skill to divide responsibilities as a means of gaining the desired outcome, which is useful in any business enterprise that is project-oriented.

Knowledge of legal terminology

This is perhaps a law student’s most unique and distinctive skill: the ability to read and understand legal documents, statutes, and legal decisions. Legal terminology is much like a foreign language to most laypersons, but now law school graduates.

Knowledge of specific legal areas and topics

Law students may take different elective courses that shape their base of legal knowledge. This is especially useful when combined with an undergraduate degree that specializes in a certain discipline. For example, patent law with an undergrad chemistry major, or construction law with an undergrad engineering major. This offers an indisputable wealth of knowledge and flexibility to employers.

The ability to speak publicly

Participation in classroom discussions, Moot court, and other extracurriculars that require public speaking provide a valuable skill for employers. The ability to speak in front of an audience at ease when presenting facts, information or business proposals is most useful.

The ability to perform research

Law students perform some type of legal research from day one of school. Just about any law school task focuses on research, as do many extracurricular and law clerking jobs. Research skills are a valuable asset for many employers who rely on employees to provide current, accurate, and comprehensive information.

The ability to write and communicate

Law school exams, legal writing programs, Moot Court, and any law review or journal experience provide law students with the ability to write clearly and precisely, which provides an edge in business communications. Good writing skills are always in high demand.

Depending on students’ personal law school experiences, they may have more transferable skills. For example, they may develop interpersonal and business development skills from involvement in extracurricular activities. Any undergraduate and work experiences may also help skills evolve. These skills are also influenced by the law school which a student attends. The CDTA provides those intangible skills that allow graduates to step into their legal jobs and be effective attorney-advocates from day one.

The California Desert Trial Academy focuses on providing an academic experience that emphasizes a practical approach to becoming a lawyer. We believe this is the most efficient and expedient pathway to a successful and rewarding legal career. At CDTA, we train, educate, and develop students to be exceptional attorneys and trial advocates. Call us today at (760) 342-0900 or find out more online here.

 

 

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