Mastering these hard skills for lawyers will make you and your firm stand out. These must-have skills will enhance your legal practice while adding significant value to your clients.
These five hard skills for lawyers can set you apart from the rest. Although “soft” skills are in vogue these days, measuring their impact in your legal practice is complex and their actual results can be highly subjective. Hard skills, on the other hand, are sure to pay off your time and money investment and are often validated through certification. That is great if you’re looking to enrich your résumé and expand your possibilities in the legal field.
1-Accounting and finance
Mastering the intricacies of accounting and finance can guarantee you a job across many branches of the legal field, as it is a highly valued skill in any position. It is also a must if you want to operate your own law firm. With this skill you will have a better sense of how to handle personal or corporate finances. Plus, knowing exactly how much to charge for your work will make all your efforts profitable.
2-Second language
Fluency in a second language is a portal to a new world. It broadens your knowledge and allows you to expand your social network and reach a larger number of clients. In the U.S. the second most spoken language is Spanish, which derives a high demand for legal services. From a scientific perspective, acquiring a new language improves your cognitive abilities and has many other benefits.
3-Computer knowledge
In 2022 it is absolutely necessary to have proficiency in digital technologies for emailing, word processing, spreadsheets, legal apps and more. With the advancement of TICs and new software development especially for law firms, some lawyers are even starting to learn about coding and artificial intelligence. Consider that technology and programming appear on the Top 10 Skills for 2025 in the Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum.
4- Social networking
Certainly, having an online presence is key and determines a large portion of your success in the modern world. Understanding how social media platforms work will give you a huge advantage. Be sure to maintain your profiles updated in social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. Then, potential clients will find you more easily and you’ll be able to quickly respond inquiries about your services. Also, consider creating a website that showcases your services and experience.
5- Research
Finally, the skill to conduct rigorous and thorough research is highly valued in the legal industry. It is essential if you want to offer tailor-made solutions to a client’s needs. With this ability you’ll know exactly where to find information and how to identify the best sources: textbooks, encyclopedias, digests, theses, dissertations, legal journals, databases, and more. We are not talking exclusively about “academic” research. We refer to research skills that can actually help you improve your daily legal practice.
Take your law practice to the next level with these Hard Skills for Lawyers
Now that you know the top five hard skills for lawyers, don’t hesitate to start learning today. And know that there’s no reason for you to wander down this path alone! At Rossa we recognize the stark distinction between the practice of law and the business of delivering legal services. It is more efficient and cost effective for lawyers and firms to focus on what they do best and leave the rest to dedicated providers. Let highly qualified experts like Rossa help you take your legal practice to the next level.