When it comes to figuring out whether a career in law is right for you, many people don’t realise just how important a love of language and words are to having a successful career in law. This belief is definitely not helped by our favourite Netflix shows, where the “work” part of being a lawyer seems to be miraculously completed within the first 30 seconds of each new scene (who knows why Netflix doesn’t think that watching a lawyer draft contract isn’t riveting viewing?!).
However, the highlight reel you see through your screen and your favourite law influencers can lead to a false narrative about what lawyers really spend most of the time doing… the lift selfies, coffees en route to work and client entertainment is just a tiny part of the role. 99% of the time, you’ll be playing with language.
The ability to really understand language and use words effectively are essential skills for lawyers, no matter whether this is communicated verbally or through writing.
WHY ARE WORDS SO IMPORTANT?
As a lawyer, you will be responsible for representing clients in a wide range of legal matters. A solicitor is likely to spend a lot of time drafting contracts and legal documents, and barristers will also need to represent cases in court.
All legal professionals must be able to understand and interpret complex legal language, and use it to effectively communicate with clients and other legal professionals. After all, changing the placement of a comma, or adding just one word into a sentence in a contract can materially affect the whole agreement (and many a case in court has been held over this!).
On the other hand, the same legal outcome may be possible with two completely differently worded clauses. Being able to understand and craft words in this way is vital to understanding complex contracts and negotiations. If you love language, you can clearly see how this type of work would excite you!
LOOKING PAST THE WORDS
In addition to understanding legal language, you must also be able to communicate effectively with clients and other legal professionals. This requires you to not only speak and write clearly, but also to be able to listen actively and understand the needs and concerns of clients.
Often the words that someone is saying and what should be inferred are quite different. We all use language in very different ways, and so being able to understand how different dialects, life experiences, and phrasing may change the meaning of a sentence is part of the role of being a lawyer. You’ll need to be able to take what your client is trying to explain, and then translate this into legal language.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE IN DEBATE
Lawyers also need to be able to effectively argue their client's cases so that they present them in the best possible light. This can be both in writing (i.e. negotiating detailed terms of a contract), or verbally (i.e. representing a client in court).
Both require the ability to anticipate counterarguments, for you to think quickly on your feet, and use your language and reasoning to effectively refute the other side’s viewpoint. This skill is particularly relevant if you are planning on becoming a barrister - as you’ll be required to do this on your feet in court.
EXCELLENT WRITING SKILLS
Excellent writing skills are non-negotiable for lawyers who are responsible for drafting legal documents and contracts. Contracts need to be clear, concise, and legally accurate. This requires you to have a great attention to detail as well as an understanding of the overarching legal concepts.
A large part of the role for lawyers is deciphering “legal-speak” into straight-forward language for your client. Clients will need to make potentially life-changing decisions, and so their full understanding of the situation is vital – this is where you need to be able to break down complex legal concepts in a way that is easy for them to understand.
TYPES OF LANGUAGE
In conclusion, to enjoy a legal career, you must have a love for language and words. This includes not only the ability to understand and interpret legal language, but also the ability to communicate effectively with your clients and other lawyers and professionals. Depending on the type of legal work you do, you may need to be able to argue persuasively, and you will always need to be able to write clearly and accurately.
If you have a passion for language and words, becoming a lawyer could be the perfect career path for you.