How a Legal Advocate Attracts Clients
A legal advocate is a critical component of the law and legal process. A legal advocate is a person who has gone above and beyond to not only educate themselves about the legal process, but they also have learned the ins and outs of legal advocacy. They help you through an otherwise very confusing and complicated time in your life. Having a legal advocate on your side will make you feel much more secure and confident as you navigate the legal process.
A legal advocate is a person who is there to listen to you and help you understand. They are there to advise you to the best of their ability and to help you articulate your unique situation. A legal advocate is there to walk you through this complicated process and to ensure that you are comfortable with each and every step. They are there to uncover solutions and alternative approaches so that you can avoid having to go to court if possible . A legal advocate actually cares about you and your situation, and is available for you when you need them. It can be extremely comforting having someone on your side as you navigate the confusing legal waters.
In order to be an effective legal advocate, the person must have exceptional interpersonal skills, be compassionate, and continually demonstrate sound, professional judgment. They must be able to deal with unexpected circumstances while remaining objective, level-headed, and proactive. An effective legal advocate must be able to work collaboratively with various types of clients and organizations. Effective communication skills are essential in all situations, regardless of the circumstances. The legal advocate must have the capacity to offer appropriate and relevant advice and options to various people and must balance a variety of clients while managing multiple deadlines. It’s a lot of responsibility, and requires significant experience in the field of legal advocacy.
Education Requirements for Legal Advocacy
An educational path leading to legal advocacy is available. However, it is not the most common path eighteen-year-olds follow. Also, this path does not provide students with credentials that will lead them directly to a job. Rather, earning a degree and certification as a paralegal, and then gaining significant employment experience with the goal of becoming an advocate, is the likely way many people get to that position.
Education is an important part of qualifications for any job; it is one of the most important hiring considerations. Although some paralegals have obtained positions without education, the more education someone has, the better the paralegal can perform.
A high school education is usually the minimum requirement for hiring at the paralegal level. This minimum requirement alone would not lead someone toward becoming a legal advocate. Completing an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is generally followed by a certificate as a paralegal. Certification is an important way to show employers that you are qualified to do the work one of their paralegals does.
Getting Experience in the Field
While the skills obtained in law school and through workshops and networking are instrumental in the building of a legal advocate, there is one key ingredient in the making of a strong legal advocate that can only be found in what we call the real-world: experience. Internships, volunteer work and clerkships, to name a few, are pathways used by many successful legal advocates. Internships: Internships are a time-honored means for law students to gain valuable experience in the classroom. Whether an unpaid or paid position, internships offer the opportunity to gain practical experience and to make industry contacts that may pay dividends later on in a graduate’s career. Companies offering internships are typically looking for assistance with practical, hands-on work, and those who find a good fit may eventually be offered greater responsibilities, or even a permanent position, after graduation. Summer internships are the most popular, as they give students time to really sink their teeth into the work. But internships in the summer between the first and second year of law school, as well as between the second and third years, are also common. Volunteer Work: Volunteer work is another great way to gain relevant experience. Non-profit organizations often hire volunteers to assist on a temporary basis. This not only helps if a hiring process is in the future, but is also a valuable way to network. Volunteer work is not likely to pay off in the short term, but, depending on the nature of the role, an anonymous donation made to a non-profit organization may be made in lieu of a regular fee. A donation does not presume a guarantee and, usually, will not render the person performing the work an independent contractor. For example, certain states allow non-profit organizations to accept pro bono donation by statement as a substitute for an official fee receipt. Clerkships: Students who have completed their first year rotational clerkships may have found themselves overwhelmed by the quantity of information they were exposed to. Those who came away from the experience with a clear understanding of the inner workings of a legal department can consider themselves lucky. The chance to work with, and learn from, veteran legal advocates is a rare one, and those who take advantage of it are likely to find themselves somewhat stronger for the experience.
Acquiring Licenses
Obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications is a vital step in the journey to becoming a skilled legal advocate. Generally speaking, most legal advocates must obtain a license to practice law in their jurisdiction. The requirements to obtain a license differ from state to state, and candidates should always refer to the specific licensing requirements in the area where they plan to practice.
For example, in some jurisdictions, such as the State of New York, individuals who wish to sit for the New York State Bar Examination must first file a Certification of Educational Qualifications for the New York Bar Examination. Candidates are required to confirm that they have completed a four-year college degree and a graduate degree in law, and are required to submit proof that their law school credits meet the New York law school program requirements.
Additionally, candidates are required to submit proof of character and fitness to practice law. Finally, a passing score on the New York State Bar Exam is required in all circumstances.
For those who aspire to practice in federal court, those who pass the state bar examination must then apply for admission to a federal court. Some jurisdictions, such as the Southern District of New York, allow an attorney who has passed the bar exam in the corresponding state, or in another state which has a reciprocity agreement, to be admitted to practice before the federal court upon submission of an application for admission. However, in some jurisdictions, such as the Eastern District of New York, applicants must examine specific requirements and procedures to determine whether the applicant may apply for admission.
Those who seek employment with the United States government should also be aware that applicants may be required to submit an application for federal employment authorization. This process requires a fingerprint and background investigation, and may require the individual to submit to a health examination.
In addition to completion of bar examinations and potentially several state and federal applications, some individuals may also be required to obtain additional professional licenses applicable to their field of expertise.
Key Skills for Legal Advocates
Legal advocacy is not a one size fits all. Skills are developed over a lifetime and each court, judge, or courtroom has its own personality. It follows that it takes time to get comfortable and put into place your individual style of legal advocacy.
There are critical skills necessary for success in legal advocacy. These skills are transferable to each area of the law. Within these vital skills you will be able to develop your individual style.
Communication skills are a very important component of legal advocacy. Information is power. The transfer of information from one to another gives the giver control and the receiver, understanding. The very first step in effective communication is for the speaker to know his/her audience. Review your court rules for what is expected at various times within a court proceeding. Develop your speaking style to fit the purposes for speaking in each situation. You must speak differently to the judge in chambers than you do to the opposing attorney, than to the witness, than to your client. Each audience has its own unique needs.
Negotiation skills are also critical to successful legal advocacy. An effective negotiator knows when to speak, when to listen, when to compromise and how to persuade. The willingness to compromise is an essential quality for successful negotiation. A negotiator must know the parameters for compromise within the current case as well as the ramifications of a refusal to compromise .
The most effective negotiators are those who know how to build consensus. If the parties cannot speak to one another, the negotiator can bear the burden of building bridges to get the parties to the place where they can agree. There must be an atmosphere of trust and respect in order for negotiations to take place. Once trust and respect are established, the negotiator can use the questions of the Socratic method to establish the foundation for a workable agreement.
Analysis is the third skill in successful legal advocacy. You have the facts of the case, the rule of law and the analysis necessary to apply the law to the case. Be sure to leave room for flexibility as you go through the negotiation process. Things will come up that you had not anticipated. Be willing to adapt your position to allow for the surprises that crop up. If you’re too bent on holding on to your case theory, no matter what, you may end up with a loss, even if you were right. Sometimes you must be willing to sacrifice your case theory for the sake of a good settlement. Even though you know you were right about the merits of your case, sometimes it’s just not worth the fight. Know when to hold them and know when to walk away.
As you are developing your legal advocacy skills, remember that you must be comfortable with your own speaking style, your own negotiation skills and your own analytical abilities. Be yourself. You are the best you that there is.
Networking for Legal Advocates
Networking is an integral part of building a successful legal career. For a junior attorney, one of the best ways to meet other lawyers and gain credibility is by hosting a "meet and greet" in his or her practice group. Serving on committees within the attorney’s bar association or community is another way to network. Prior to beginning as an associate, it may be helpful to reach out to those lawyers or academics who the attorney has met during the course of law school. Keeping in contact with former law school professors and classmates can also be beneficial. As an experienced lawyer, this individual has the opportunity to mentor and counsel younger attorneys.
Speaking engagements show others that this attorney is a leader and has established knowledge within a particular area of the law. Lectures at law schools or seminars hosted by the bar associations are good venues for lawyers to give speeches to their peers and demonstrate their legal expertise.
Joining an active civic organization and engaging in volunteer activities can be very rewarding on a professional level as well. For lawyers, being active in a civic organization shows others that they are not only interested in their work, but are also well rounded.
Building a successful career is an ongoing process for lawyers. By exploring the many opportunities for continuing education, becoming involved in the community and the legal arena, a lawyer can begin to fine-tune his or her skills and further develop an area of the law.
Staying Abreast of Legal Developments
A skilled legal advocate must also be a walking encyclopedia of the best and latest legal trends. Laws change constantly, so keeping informed about new legislation, relevant case law, and other developments is essential for effective, best practice legal advocacy. In addition to member benefit resources included as part of the NNA suite, quality continuing education is widely available. A simple search online will provide you with an overwhelming number of places to expand your skills and stay current on the latest legal issues. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, arrangements can be made to attend a CLE in person or via webinar.
Career Opportunities for Legal Advocates
A legal advocate can pursue career opportunities in several different arenas. Law firms are one place where legal advocates can find work. They may work closely with clients, helping them understand what is expected of them during the litigation process. Many law firms offer pro bono services, so they may delegate these cases to advocates instead of having attorneys handle them. Legal advocates can also work with non-profit organizations. Many non-profits exist to ensure specific groups receive the legal help they require . The advocates employed by these organizations work with the members of their target groups through the different stages of their cases, ensuring that clients understand what is happening as they navigate the litigation process. Government agencies also hire legal advocates. Instead of working with a particular client or type of case, these advocates receive assignments about which they perform research, gathering the information that may be used in the case. They may work behind the scenes, never actually entering the courtroom, but what they do have a significant impact on the outcome of a case.