The Significance of Soft Skills in the Legal Industry and How to Best Highlight them to Your Next Employer

At Legal People, in my 23+ years of recruitment experience, I have seen firsthand how the landscape of legal careers has evolved over the years. While technical expertise, industry experience and legal knowledge remain important, there's a growing recognition amongst our client law firms of the importance and value of soft skills.?

Soft skills should not be overlooked because they enhance productivity and promote harmonious work environments, leading to improved employee engagement, client satisfaction and loyalty. Throughout recent decades soft skills have often been undervalued, and they are now recognised as indispensable assets for professional success in the legal industry.?

In this article, I highlight the importance of communication skills, negotiations skills and leadership skills in any legal career and how to highlight them.

1. Communication

Effective communication lies at the heart of every successful legal career. Whether you're drafting legal documents, presenting arguments in court, or negotiating deals, your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively can make all the difference. Strong communication skills not only foster collaboration within legal teams but also help build trust and credibility with clients and colleagues.

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Tips for Highlighting Communication Skills

If you consider your communication skills to be one of your strengths, then I advise ensuring that they are highlighted and presented to recruiters and hiring managers in the following manner:

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CV:?Incorporate specific examples of instances where your communication skills were instrumental in achieving favourable outcomes. This could include drafting complex legal contracts, delivering compelling oral arguments, or effectively mediating disputes. These examples can be included in your achievements or work history on your CV.?

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LinkedIn Profile:?I suggest using the summary section of your LinkedIn profile to highlight your communication competencies. Are there any relevant awards, recognition or achievements that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively? Maybe you won moot court competitions or led client negotiations? Or maybe you helped win new business with your presentation skills?

2. Negotiation

Negotiation is a fundamental aspect of legal practice, whether you're brokering settlements, resolving disputes, or structuring business transactions. Part of the art of negotiation is finding common ground between parties. A skilled negotiator possesses the ability to understand the interests of all parties involved, identifying any areas of agreement and crafting mutually beneficial solutions. In the legal profession, successful negotiations can lead to favourable outcomes for clients and establish your reputation for gaining a positive outcome.

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Tips for Highlighting Negotiation Skills

CV:?On your CV, highlight instances where you successfully negotiated beneficial contract terms or settlements on behalf of clients. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, by specifying the value of deals closed or the percentage of disputes resolved.

LinkedIn Profile:?Utilise the "Experience" section of your LinkedIn profile to showcase your negotiation expertise. Describe your specific role in negotiation processes such as whether you led the team or played a key role and emphasise any key achievements or contributions.

3. Leadership

Leadership is more than having a managerial title. It also involves inspiring others, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence. In the legal profession, effective leadership can take many forms, from mentoring junior associates to spearheading strategic initiatives within a firm. Strong leadership skills can set you apart as a trusted advisor and position you well for advancement in your legal career.?

Tips for Highlighting Leadership Skills

CV:?Showcase leadership experiences both within and outside the legal industry. This could include roles such as leading legal teams, project teams, serving on committees, or volunteering in leadership capacities in professional organisations.

LinkedIn Profile:?Use the "Volunteer Experience" section to highlight any leadership roles you've held in legal associations or community organisations. Endorsements or recommendations on your profile from colleagues or supervisors can also provide validation of your leadership abilities.?

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Whilst technical expertise will always be essential in the legal profession, soft skills play an increasingly vital role in shaping successful legal careers. By honing your communication, negotiation, and leadership skills and effectively showcasing them on your CV and LinkedIn profile, you can elevate your profile as a standout candidate in the competitive legal landscape. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or a recent graduate, investing in the development of your soft skills can open doors to new opportunities and pave the way for long-term success in your legal career.

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Should you need help finding your next career opportunity or would like a confidential career discussion please get in touch at?[email protected]. We are specialists in the Legal Industry. We recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals in Melbourne, Australia.

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Bio: Sharon Henderson is a Legal Recruitment specialist, Partner and heads up the Lawyer and Management & HR divisions of Legal People, a leading specialist legal recruitment agency. To browse our currently available roles click here.