16 Legal Consultant Skills for Your Career and Resume

Legal consultants provide expert advice and analysis on legal issues to clients. They must have strong research, writing and analytical skills to be successful in this role. If you are considering a career as a legal consultant, it is important to understand the skills that are necessary to excel in this field.

Legal Research

Legal research is the ability to find and interpret legal documents. This skill can be useful for a legal consultant because it allows you to understand laws, regulations and court cases that may affect your client’s case. You can use this information to help them make informed decisions about their case. Legal research also includes knowing how to access public records, which can be important when researching a case.

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are important for legal consultants because they often work with clients to solve complex issues. For example, a client may have an employment dispute and need help drafting a contract or resolving the issue through arbitration. Legal consultants use their problem-solving skills to find solutions that satisfy both parties involved in the case.

Contract Review

Contract review is the ability to analyze and interpret legal documents. Legal consultants often use this skill when reviewing contracts for clients, as they must ensure that all parties understand their obligations and rights under the agreement. Contract review also includes analyzing any potential risks associated with entering into a contract and advising clients accordingly.

Document Preparation

Document preparation is the ability to create and edit legal documents. This includes contracts, agreements, policies, procedures and other types of documentation that may be used in a law firm or by clients. Document preparation skills are important for legal consultants because they often work with lawyers on creating new documents or updating existing ones.

Time Management

Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a way that ensures you meet deadlines. Legal consultants often have multiple projects at once, so time management skills are important for ensuring all of your work gets done on time. You may also need to manage client expectations about how long it takes to complete certain tasks, so explaining this process can help clients understand why some actions take longer than others.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help legal consultants ensure they have all the information needed to make an informed decision. This may include reviewing contracts, researching laws and regulations and analyzing data to determine if a company’s practices are in compliance with the law. Legal consultants also need attention to detail when preparing reports for clients so they can provide thorough explanations of their findings.

Litigation Support

Litigation support involves the ability to provide legal teams with information and resources they need to prepare for a trial. This can include researching laws, analyzing evidence and preparing presentations or arguments. Legal consultants who are skilled in litigation support often have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. They also enjoy working with people and may be naturally curious about how the law works.

Case Management

Case management is the ability to manage a client’s case from start to finish. This includes understanding their goals, creating an action plan and monitoring progress. Case managers are often responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a case are handled properly. For example, if a client has a personal injury claim, the case manager may be in charge of communicating with the insurance company, reviewing medical records and negotiating on behalf of the client.

Arbitration

Arbitration is the ability to mediate between two parties who have a dispute. Legal consultants often use their arbitration skills when they’re working with clients on legal issues, as they may need to help them find solutions that satisfy both parties. For example, if one party feels like they were treated unfairly by an employer and another party disagrees, the consultant can act as a mediator to help them come to an agreement.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of information and files. Legal consultants often have large amounts of data, so it’s important for them to be organized. This skill can help you find what you need quickly and efficiently. You may also use organization skills when creating a proposal or contract, as these documents often require specific details that must be in the correct order.

Creativity

Legal consultants often use their creativity to solve problems for clients. They may come up with unique solutions that help clients avoid legal issues or reduce the consequences of any potential challenges. For example, a client who is considering starting a business might ask a consultant to review the contract and offer suggestions on how to make it more favorable. The consultant could then be creative in finding ways to change the contract so both parties are satisfied.

Deposition Preparation

Deposition preparation is the ability to prepare clients for their time in court. This includes knowing what to expect during a deposition, such as how long it will last and what types of questions they might be asked. It also involves providing your client with any materials they may need before their appearance, such as documents or evidence that supports their case.

Trial Preparation

Trial preparation is the process by which legal consultants prepare for a trial. This includes researching case law, reviewing evidence and preparing arguments to support their client’s position. Legal consultants who are skilled in trial preparation can help their clients develop strong cases that increase their chances of success.

Mediation

Mediation is a process by which you can help parties in conflict reach an agreement. This skill involves listening to each party’s perspective, identifying their needs and interests and proposing solutions that satisfy everyone involved. You may use your negotiation skills when mediating, so it’s important to be able to listen actively, ask questions and propose compromises.

Moot Court

Moot court is a legal term for an argument that’s based on hypothetical situations. Legal consultants often use their knowledge of the law to create arguments and counter-arguments for clients, so it’s important they have this skill set. Moot courts can help you practice your negotiation skills as well, which is another aspect of being a legal consultant.

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are the ability to examine a situation and determine its strengths, weaknesses, risks and potential outcomes. Legal consultants use their analytical skills when they assess clients’ legal issues and develop solutions that help them achieve their goals. For example, if a client is considering filing for divorce, a legal consultant may analyze the case and determine whether it’s in the client’s best interest to proceed with the divorce or try to resolve the conflict through other means.

How Can I Learn These Legal Consultant Skills?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to learn the skills necessary to be a successful legal consultant may vary depending on your prior experience and education. However, some ways to learn these skills include taking courses or attending seminars on topics such as legal research, contract law, and litigation support; participating in moot court or mock trial competitions; and shadowing or working with a more experienced legal consultant. Additionally, developing strong problem-solving, time management, and analytical skills will be critical to success in this role.