3. Legal writing

This chapter discusses the skills needed for effective legal writing. It focuses on the ‘Plan, Write, Revise’ approach to effective writing; strategies for developing the ability to write plain English; how to vary language and style to suit the needs of readers; and being self-critical and continuing to develop writing skills.

10. Continuing your learning

This chapter discusses the processes of continued learning and development throughout one’s legal career. It focuses on how experiential learning happens; how to use personal experiences to become more proficient; and self-development activities.

5. Legal research

This chapter discusses the skills needed to carry out legal research. It covers understanding the importance of legal research; establishing an overall strategy in undertaking legal research; using primary sources; doing library-based research; analysing the problem; reviewing the subject matter; searching primary and secondary sources; updating the search; using online databases; and reporting the results of research.

8. Advocacy and the solicitor

Advocacy involves the presentation to a judge of two competing versions of the facts, of the law, or both. This chapter discusses the skills of solicitor advocacy. It focuses on identifying key principles of the ethics of advocacy; understanding the structure of a case presented for trial; developing a case presentation strategy incorporating the client’s goals; making an effective submission; and planning an examination-in-chief and cross-examination using appropriate questions.

7. Negotiation

This chapter discusses legal negotiating skills. It covers the characteristics of effective negotiators; negotiating styles and strategies; common negotiating mistakes; and negotiation and alternative dispute resolution.

2. Interviewing and advising

This chapter discusses the skills of interviewing and advising clients. It covers the purpose of interviews; the importance of non-verbal communication; preparing for initial client interviews; the WASP approach; listening and questioning techniques; providing appropriate advice and information; and establishing a professional relationship with the client.

1. Introduction

This Guide is concerned with the lawyers’ skills that underpin practice as a solicitor and which are introduced during the Legal Practice Course (LPC). It serves as a supplement rather than a substitute for skills training undertaken on the LPC. This introductory chapter briefly discusses the nature of legal skills training and then provides instructions on how to use the present Guide.

9. Managing your workload

This chapter discusses workload management skills. It focuses on managing time for personal effectiveness; developing a project management approach to legal work; key issues of working with and for others; and managing stress.

6. Practical problem-solving

This chapter discusses the skills needed for practical problem-solving. It focuses on understanding the importance of a problem-solving strategy for effective practice; using a variety of problem-solving techniques; and developing an effective risk-management strategy for one’s own work.

4. Drafting legal documents

This chapter discusses the skills needed for drafting legal documents. It covers preparing to draft; responsibility for drafting; getting down to drafting; the appearance, style, and content of the draft; the use of grammar and language; the process of amendment; engrossment and completion; construction of documents; applying the ‘plan, write, revise’ approach; and persuasive and informative drafting.