The Art of Negotiation Rarely Comes Naturally
Growing up, you may have had a propensity for arguing (ahem, debating!) that prompted family and friends to suggest a career in law so you could continue with the art of negotiation. Steadfast in the courage of your convictions, you may often find that you have a point to prove, or perhaps you enjoy playing devil’s advocate. Steady arguing may become tiring in some circles, but if you are seeking a future in practicing law, it could become one of the most important skills—and one that you must continually fine-tune as your practice expands over the years.
As an attorney, your communication skills must be broad, and well-rounded. The process of taking on a new case begins with listening to the client and understanding the scope of their legal needs. After that you may end up arguing their case, but in many cases, you may find yourself negotiating with the other side. And while natural charm and persuasion can get you far in life, the true art of negotiation is an art you must study and must often customize to each case.
In arguing, you may find yourself becoming extremely invested, heated even. In a negotiation though, it is vital to be completely in control of your emotions. While you may not want to hold back on them completely, understanding them—embracing the human element—can give you a serious advantage. Conflict is often a central element in negotiating, and this can make it hard to keep tempers in check, unless you have practiced. And in practicing how to be a good negotiator, you will learn to remember, above all else, to keep the end goal—and the ultimate reward—in mind.
Much greater success in negotiation is found when you take time to see the entire picture. What do both sides want, and why? Practicing empathy and understanding allows you to bring everything together, acting as a stable and guiding force. You may have to take on an aggressive demeanor in some cases, but in most instances, choosing your words respectfully, thoughtfully, and listening and pausing when it seems appropriate will lead to a much better outcome. A positive attitude and sincerity will lead you through many successful negotiations.
Are you interested in becoming a skilled lawyer and negotiator? Our mission at CDTA College of Law is to educate, train, and develop extraordinary legal advocates. Your legal education will be comprised of bar-tested academic subjects, skills training, and values reinforcement. Upon completion of your 4-year course of study you will be fully qualified to take and pass the California Bar examination. Call us today at (760) 342-0900 or find out more online here.