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New hiring strategies in the legal sphere that students need to know

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New hiring strategies in the legal sphere that students need to know

Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Director, Symbiosis Law School Pune, 0

The Law industry aims at developing and helping several sections of the society. It not only aims at securing a stable future for legal professionals and students but also ensures that they develop the right skill set to excel at it. According to The Bar Council of India, there is a vacancy of 46% in the subordinate courts and an over vacancy for 40,000 lawyers currently.

Several factors affect the credibility of a student. The law school that a student comes from matters the most. Every school in the country has a different approach towards the kind of curriculum they shape for the students.

Although the basics remain the same, there are added benefits that help in shaping a young law mind in terms of analysis of a case, perspective building, research work, critical thinking, etc. These factors play an important role in placing these students for jobs as almost 80,000 students are passing out from these law schools every year but only a few make the cut. A good school and a good resume go hand in hand in such cases.

There are certain hiring strategies that students should be aware of concerning the demands of these reputed law firms. Some of them include-
Good Communication Skills
Legal interns are responsible for writing contracts, signing agreements, writs, and more. There should be effective communication between law professionals and their superiors at any firm. Therefore, holding a strong grip over communication taking place internally as well as externally is crucial.

Research Skills
An intern typically conducts research using legal databases, legal libraries, and government offices. Having good research skills is beneficial for students in the long run so that they can have thorough knowledge about their cases which again play a significant role not just in their law career but also outside it.

Analytical Skills
Law firms want students who have an interest in businesses and how they affect the clients. A candidate should understand the bigger picture and understand
what is going on in the surroundings. To work on any case one needs to look at it from a different perspective which can only be done if the student analyzes the situation well.

Administrative skills
When a law firm interviews an individual they focus on their skill sets as a whole. Students are responsible for conducting entry level work like copying, note-making, data interpretation. Administrative experience and skills are valuable at firms for hiring interns. Administrative skills like file keeping, notes taking, summarising, and formulating a strategy helps in simplifying the work and gives better results.

Collaboration skills
Collaboration skills enable young lawyers to successfully work towards a common goal with fellow potential lawyers. These skills include communicating clearly, receptively listening to others, taking responsibility for mistakes, and respecting the diversity of your teammates.

Every school in the country has a different approach towards the kind of curriculum they shape for the students


Technology skills
Career tracks also vary depending on what type of affinity a young lawyer has with technological advancements. As we know that technology is taking over every sector including the legal sphere. Therefore, it is extremely important for a potential legal professional to have great technical as well as digital skills.

Data Management skills
These skills are the abilities young lawyers use to effectively manage and use information. It involves understanding database design concepts, looking for patterns, and being able to participate in long-term planning about database projects. Data Management skills promote efficient working and profitable outcomes

Problem-solving skills
One of the most vital skills every legal professional must possess is problem-solving skills. Problem-solving skills require quickly identifying a specific issue and implementing a solution for it. Potential legal professionals can improve problem-solving skills by familiarizing themselves with common issues in the legal industry and learning from more experienced lawyers.

There are dozens of skills required that can add to the benefits of being in a legal profession. All students need to have a developed skillset and express enthusiasm and flexibility towards the field.