There is an old cliché that law school does not prepare a young lawyer for the practice of law. Yes, law school helps teach young attorneys the basic foundations of the law, how to research and think critically about legal issues, and how to write memos and briefs. However, the practice of law, even as a litigator, also requires business savvy. In other words, lawyers too must become less like bookish counselors and more like informed business advisers. Lawyers need to understand their client’s business goals, challenges and what drives their decision-making in order to properly and best represent their client. Becoming such an adviser takes work, a willingness to learn outside the law, and a little bit of patience. By keeping a few practices in mind, a young lawyer can develop their business sense and grow into a competent business adviser.

One way to make this shift is by adapting to basic business communication practices. Beyond staying connected with a client through regular check-ins and keeping an open line of communication with them client, a lawyer should make the effort to understand the language and culture of a client’s industry. This includes learning common acronyms (don’t be ashamed to use Google!) and jargon in your client’s industry. Being able to seamlessly integrate into the client’s world demonstrates a lawyer’s industry specific competence. Clients do not just want attorneys who know the law. They want attorneys who they can easily communicate with and trust.

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