How Does Developing English Language Skills Help Law Students? [Concise Tips]

A career in law can be appealing for those who believe in justice, human rights and aim to work towards upliftment of the society. 

To prepare for a career in law, the eligibility criteria is to pursue a bachelor’s degree program in any subject or field followed by clearing the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). This would help gain an admission in law school to earn a doctorate subsequently followed by appearing for the state Bar Examination. Once through this, the next step would be to apply for the job of a lawyer at a law firm or even consider beginning your own private practice.

If you are preparing to clear LSAT or aiming to be a lawyer, aim to improve your communication skills with ‘English for law students’ course.  Here are some reasons how developing English language skills or earning a major in English will help propel your career in law:

1. The American Bar Association (ABA) talks about the core communication related skills required to prepare for LSAT or a degree in law which are critical reading, writing and listening. Hence, for a successful career in law, one should develop coherent writing skills in English to read, analyse and understand legal documents, statues and judicial opinions.
2. Honing communication skills helps in preparing strong rhetoric and make a convincing argument in the courtroom. Poor language skills in the courtroom may result in not being able to put across cold facts or arguments. Hence, not being articulate or coherent could result in not being able to connect with jury members despite having a strong legal case. Hence, well-constructed, grammar-based communication 
3. Pursuing literature courses helps in polishing written and spoken communication skills, help develop analytical and reasoning. 
4. Only through impeccable communication skills, law students can understand the heavy legal parlance and legal contracts which need to be skimmed through daily. 
5. As a lawyer, it is crucial to interact with existing clients and work towards building new clientele for the firm you work with or for your own business. Hence, building clear, succinct and confident communication skills help in winning the client’s confidence and trust which is essential for taking up and fighting their case/or their cause. 
6. As a lawyer, it is important to master legal drafting for which good command over the language is required. Through good legal drafting skills, one can write concise, jargon and legalese free memos, prepare wills, important contracts and statutes. Since legal drafting includes leveraging any communication received from courts or customers, good writing skills will help in explaining complex legal procedures and technical terms which can be understood by the layman or clients.

In a nutshell, for a successful career in law, it is crucial to work on your written as well as verbal communication skills.