examples of how to talk like a smart lawyer

What qualities make a good lawyer?

Dec 02, 2007 · 1. Approach a problem from all angles. To see all the possible issues in a set of facts, lawyers look at the situation from different perspectives. Putting yourself in others’ shoes allows you to understand other points of view.

What is an example of thinking like a lawyer?

Mar 07, 2013 · Working Hardly: Talking like a Lawyer. Contrary to popular belief, knowledge of the law is just one part of what it means to be a lawyer. The transition from normal person to lawyer also involves learning to talk the talk. Unfortunately, this has serious ramifications for our friends and loved ones as we, the law students, start incorporating ...

Is it possible to talk like a lawyer without being one?

Apr 05, 2018 · Talk Like a Lawyer. Posted on. April 5, 2018. June 19, 2020 by David Whelan. As I was walking up from the train station yesterday, I was thinking about a recent tweet that had asked for input, advice for speakers talking at #legaltech events. Depending on how you define legaltech, you might identify the audience and speakers in different ways.

Why do lawyers write so poorly?

Aug 11, 2021 · If you want to alter your way of thinking so that you think like a good lawyer, check out the 6 steps below. Advertising. 1. Be able to see both sides of the argument. Some people think it is insincere to be able to see both sides of the argument, but it doesn’t mean that lawyers don’t have a side. It simply means they understand that both ...

How can I speak and write like a lawyer?

What makes a lawyer smart?

What words lawyers use?

How do you win an argument like a lawyer?

What is the IQ of a lawyer?

What personality type is a lawyer?

How do you make a legal caption in word?

Why do lawyers use big words?

What does legal jargon mean?

How do you answer a question like a lawyer?

Do lawyers think differently?

What makes a convincing argument?

Research like a Librarian

So lawyers are thinkers, perhaps a way to embody their role as risk analysts. Those of us who have cut our teeth in law libraries, with or without an advanced degree, are arguably better researchers than most legal professionals. It’s not a smarts issue, it’s an access and time issue. You get better at doing the things you do all day.

Present like a Speaker

The tweet behind all of this was about speaking. I’d learned to speak like a lawyer, if you will. I’m not nearly one of my law school’s better graduates but we all took a trial advocacy course in which we were filmed, class after class. I kept that videotape for a number of years afterward as a reminder, and I used some of those skills.

Code like a Programmer

Another tweet, that I can’t lay my mouse on right now, noted the new Canadian law school is planning a mandatory coding bootcamp (p5) as part of the curriculum. I can see the attraction, and I know a lot of the people who I’ve met in relation to law practice would enjoy a course in coding.

Think

The more I thought about advice to speakers on legal tech, the more I realized how generic my input would be. It’s like legal research. Or trial advocacy. Or coding. There’s no magic.

Is it true that you are blinded by emotion?

The phrase ‘blinded by emotion’ is very accurate; when you are emotionally involved your feelings can be irrational or biased. This can stop you from seeing important facts, and you may place too much importance on little details. To think like a good lawyer you must have no personal interest so that you can focus solely on the facts. This will help you to see what is important or relevant (and what isn’t ) so that you can draw an unbiased conclusion.

Do artists need time to incubate?

Artists and all creative people need time to incubate; those ideas will only grow when properly watered, but if you’re not engaging in an activity that will help foster creativity, you might just be wasting time. Remember to do everything with purpose, even relaxing.

What is a syllogism?

A syllogism is a type of deductive reasoning that is often used by lawyers. There are three parts to a syllogism; a general statement, a particular statement and then a conclusion that draws the first two together.

Why do people procrastinate?

Many who procrastinate do so because perfectionism is killing their productivity, telling them that if they wait a better idea will come to them.

Why is stress a cyclic killer?

Stress is a cyclic killer that perfectionists know well because that same system that engages and causes your palms to sweat over a great idea is the same system that kicks in and worries you that you’re not good enough. Perfectionism means striving for that ultimate level, and stress can propel you forward excitedly or leave you shaking in fear of the next step.

What makes a good lawyer?

“A good lawyer is one who can see both sides of an argument,” administrative attorney Lindsay Garroway said. Open-mindedness can solve your conflict with your roommate too. Lawyers must argue for their clients whether they agree with them or not. Being able to competently argue for both sides requires a deep understanding of the other person’s position; and even if you end up agreeing to disagree, an expression of empathy for the other side’s perspective can save you and your roommate’s relationship.

What happens if you show up to court without your briefcase?

If you show up to court without your briefcase full of research, you’re bound to lose. Likewise, if you start up an argument and have no legitimate facts to back up your claim, you’ll end up looking like an amateur.

Is a grade negotiable?

A grade is only negotiable if you’re right, Scandura said. If you know you don’t deserve the grade, don’t beg your professor for mercy on the last day of the semester — you’re wasting both your time and his. If, however, you have a valid reason for why you’re missing points, don’t hesitate to state your case. 7.

What is the most common fallacy in argument?

One of the most common fallacies in argument, making a “straw man” is when you inaccurately represent your opponent’s point. By refuting the straw man you can create the illusion that you’re right, even if you’re not. But beware, if you twist your friend’s words, she’ll have even more disdain for you than before.

Is debate a race?

Debate isn’t a race. Young lawyers dealing with anxiety tend to rush to the end of their arguments. Try to speak slowly, enunciate your words, and solidly hit each of your points — you’ll appear more confident and your words will have more sway. And who knows, a dramatic pause placed just in the right place might swing the audience in your favor.

What is magic judo?

“Magic is a sleight of hand, trying to distract someone from the essence of the argument… Judo is where you take the other’s side strength and make it yours,” attorney and professor of media ethics Jim Wagstaffe said. This technique is only possible if you’re actively listening to the opposing claim. Find what seems to be its strong point, and use your critical analysis to turn it into your own weapon.

Who is Sarah Lynch?

About Sarah Lynch. Sarah is a writer, lawyer and founder & Editor-in-Chief of BucketOrange Magazine . Based in Sydney, Australia she enjoys wordplay, witticisms and spending time in obliging trees in Botswana. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. Disqus Recommendations.

Is subjective opinion objective?

Subjective opinions are not objective facts. No matter what strategies the opposing side uses to distract you from the main issue, or how tempting it is to draw in other connections, a good lawyer always brings the argument back to the original point. 2. Leave Emotion At The Door!

Do lawyers write like lawyers?

Most lawyers don’t write like a lawyer. They use legal language in legal contexts, but their writing falls short of the purpose of writing, which is effective communication. Comprehension is the goal, not confusion. Persuasion and entertainment are sometimes secondary goals, but the primary goal is always effective communication.

How many words should a sentence have?

Sentences should have no more than 20 words; Never start a sentence with “However”; Don’t use “and/or”; make a choice to use one or the other; Use headings; Use quoted language sparingly; minimize the use of block quotes; Use active, not passive, sentences; Avoid stuffing your writing full of dates;

What is Evan's practice?

Evan’s practice is devoted to serious personal injury claims and catastrophic property damage claims. Areas of focus include security claims against bars and other businesses, government tort claims, fire and flood claims, and inverse condemnation.

What are the two categories of lawyers?

There are, broadly speaking, two categories of lawyers: those who go into court ( including depositions) and those who do not. The difference is important to your question because those of us who go to court have a separate ear, so to speak, listening to how we are making our record.

What is a legal memorandum?

Legal memorandum, briefs, pleadings, and many other written communications rely on the lawyer’s ability to be informative and persuasive. Likewise, if the lawyer is a trial lawyer, or in some other way relies heavily on good speaking skills, then you will find certain paradigms that fit the need.

What does "eviscerate" mean?

Take for example the word eviscerate, which is found in legal opinions more than you might think. The word is commonly defined as “ to disembowel, ” which by itself is a bit offensive for many. But it also has a meaning of “to deprive of vital or essential parts,” which is much better in the communication of an idea.