When aspiring lawyers set out on their journey, they often focus on the legal textbooks and sharpening their technical skills. They dive into the law’s complexities, study past cases, and become adept at analyzing legal matters. However, in this quest for legal expertise, something vital is sometimes overlooked – the ability to communicate effectively and connect with clients.

Vadim Glozman, a renowned criminal defense attorney, believes that what truly sets outstanding lawyers apart often lies in their mastery of soft skills. Today, he uncovers how qualities like empathy, honesty, clear communication, and building relationships can make all the difference in the legal profession.

Empathy, Resilience, and Integrity as the Cornerstones of Legal Excellence

Vadim Glozman firmly believes that empathy is one of the pillars of a successful legal career. “Empathy, of course, goes hand in hand with having integrity,” he emphasizes. “You won’t earn any business or a worthwhile reputation without consistently embracing both of these.”

Though often considered an inherent trait, empathy can be nurtured and developed. Glozman suggests lawyers, especially those just starting their practice, need to take their time to focus on each client’s personality, get to know the individual, and, from time to time, ask themself “What if I were in my client’s shoes?” Active listening is one of the central skills to master for this purpose. As you evolve into a more empathetic person, you can also unveil, address, and overcome any biases. This is crucial to ensure that your legal representation is fair, well-focused, and truly aligned with your clients’ best interests.

Integrity, says Glozman, is paramount as well. It starts with a candid assessment of your values and a commitment to adjust wherever necessary. Being a living example for others in the field, and modeling your behavior and actions after respected leaders is key to maintaining the highest standards of integrity.

Finally, resilience and strong focus are what makes a lawyer a true hero for their clients. People, especially in criminal cases, are looking for a defense lawyer who will fight tooth and nail for them. The amount of challenges and obstacles thrown at you can be overwhelming. As a great lawyer, your mission is to withstand, overcome, and arrive at the best possible outcome for the person you defend. 

On Preparation and Commitment

Beyond empathy, resilience, and integrity, Vadim Glozman highlights the importance of being the most prepared person in the room, possessing excellent time management skills, and being analytical while also capable of improvisation. These skills, he says, can be honed through unwavering commitment and dedication. 

“Make it your way of life,” advises Glozman. By putting in the work and being meticulous, you will develop the ability to think creatively and respond quickly to unforeseen challenges as if it were second nature. Whenever you hit a roadblock or the prosecution attacks you with a sophisticated tactic, these skills will be your compass, guiding you through even the most daunting legal landscapes, ensuring your clients receive the best possible representation.

The Value of Personalized Representation

If you develop resilience, foster integrity, and commit to agile learning in the field of law, you will naturally arrive at the power of personalized legal representation. 

Vadim Glozman explains: 

“You should always be striving to provide the best possible outcome for your client. To do so, you have to step into each case understanding that it is unique and unlike anything prior. You never want to be a derivative lawyer — copying and pasting your approach from one client to the next.”

This is exactly where communicative skills come in. By tailoring your approach to each client’s specific needs and circumstances, you build mutual trust and create a collaborative environment where you and the client work together. Without communication, what we can see is a lawyer being a detached, robot-like legal advisor with no genuine connection or understanding of their unique situation. This is no recipe for success. 

Glozman goes as far as to state that relationships with clients can themselves be the source of professional growth. Every case is unique in terms of its background, legal challenges, and surrounding circumstances. But most importantly, every case centers on an individual with their specific motivations, concerns, and aspirations. Delving into these aspects and understanding the bigger picture behind the client’s words and actions is the key to a lawyer’s personal and professional development. 

“Throughout the years, my clients have always been my driving force — especially based on the fact that they are often underdogs in cases built by eager and adversarial prosecutions. Knowing that you are the advocate of your clients — sometimes the only one they have — motivates you to get to know them better and craft a personalized defense strategy that goes beyond textbook cases.”

Photo Credit To: Vadim Glozman

Transparent Communication: A Vital Principle

One more thing Glozman highlights when building a communicative process between a lawyer and their client is transparency. You might sometimes be tempted to downplay or conceal bad news or legal obstacles from your client for the sake of avoiding stress and disappointment on their part. However, this is a faulty strategy. You gain nothing from such an approach in the long run, creating a distance and risking the trust your client has developed for you. 

Transparency should always be a priority in your interactions with clients, even when delivering difficult news or managing expectations. Glozman advises that lawyers must be comfortable in assuming this role from the outset to establish an environment of collaboration and honesty. This is also the foundation for mutual respect that becomes instrumental as lawyers navigate the intricate nuances of each case.

Standing Out in a Competitive Legal Market

In a highly competitive legal market, Vadim Glozman suggests that young lawyers can distinguish themselves by prioritizing communication and relationship-building skills. He also notes that word of mouth is a great asset in this field – satisfied clients who have experienced personalized and empathetic representation become the most compelling advocates for a lawyer’s reputation and services.

For those entering the legal profession, Glozman’s advice is clear: take the responsibility of representation seriously, continuously seek improvement, remain humble, and always make your client the top priority. Push your boundaries to become the best lawyer you can be, and remember that the practice of law is not just about cases but about the people and their unique needs that you serve.