Most Important Skills for an Associate Lawyer at King and Spalding
For a lawyer at a firm like King & Spalding, LLP, "reading and analytic ability" and "strong writing skills" are paramount, complemented by "advocacy and project management skills." The ability to manage complex cases, akin to "a project extending over several years," and navigate the interpersonal dynamics within a large organization are also crucial for success.
Analytical Skills, Writing Skills, Advocacy, Project Management, Communication Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Christopher Jew
Associate (lawyer)
King & Spalding, LLP
University of California, Davis
USC Gould School of Law, J.D.; UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA
Economics
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Law
Legal
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Strong analytical and reading skills are crucial for legal work.
2. Excellent writing skills are essential for legal professionals.
3. Project management skills, including case management, are vital for handling complex legal matters and coordinating teams effectively. Soft skills like client management and internal communication are also important.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
The most important skills for lawyers generally are reading and analytic ability, strong writing skills, advocacy, and probably project management skills as well.
A lot of times, I think one thing I appreciate from having gone to business school is how certain general business processes are applicable to practicing law. Project management skills are very similar to case management skills.
A case at a high level is very similar to a project that extends over several years, with various deliverables and tasks that need to be accomplished. When you're working at a large law firm on cases of the size we're handling, you're working on cases with many moving parts and many moving people.
The skills to manage these cases and move them along are also very important. When we talk about some of the harder skills that are needed, at the level we're operating, soft skills are also very important. These include being able to manage and work with clients, and to manage up, down, and across the organization.