Lawyer Lingo

      Listening to an attorney, in their element, as they discuss legal methods and cases can sound like complete gibberish to the average person. Deciphering this advanced vocabulary is almost impossible without a JD degree, especially since many of the words and phrases used by lawyers only have meaning as legal terms (“TIP:Courts Frown on Lawyer”). As a result, it is the attorney's responsibility to effectively communicate their clients wishes in proper legal terminology to judges as well as explain legal jargon in practical terms to clients.

     Having the ability to mediate between two parties and possessing strong communication skills are clearly important aspects of being a lawyer. This is particularly true when attorneys and judges try to get legal information out to the general public. Recently, blogging and social media have become a rising form of professional communication used by lawyers to exchange ideas and advise the public (Shields para 3). These less formal modes of communication increase the accessibility of legal information, but they’re not enough to teach people the legal language and how to apply these skills.

     Learning how to effectively communicate as a lawyer is a skill I plan to develop throughout my education. When I attend law school I will learn a plethora of legal terminology, but for now I am enrolled in a class at Michigan State where I will be taught the basics of legal writing, research, and how to conduct myself in the leal environment. Though this is just one step in the right direction, I believe it will pave the path for me to develop and progress my interpersonal skills as a future attorney.

By: Jasmine Shafquat 

Don't Make Me Use My Lawyer Voice. Digital image. N.p., 2014. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.

Legal Glossary. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
Shields, Allison. "Blogging and Social Media.” American Bar Association. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.

"TIP: Courts Frown on Lawyer “Gibberish”." Lowering the Bar. Web. 23 Sept. 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.