Steps
- Identify the issue at hand, and start doing so automatically. Upon hearing about a new problem, with practice, you should on instinct find the key problems and keep them in your mind. Look at both sides, because your issues may be different than somebody else's.
- Analyze and pay close attention to everything you hear, read or write. This not only helps identify the issue but will help you later if you have to make a sound argument against something.
- Question why something is the way it is. Is it to feather one person's nest, or is it for the common good? Is it there just to hurt your client or everyone like him? Is it fair? Can you use it against someone?
- See the other side and exploit the weakness. If you had to take the other side of an argument, what would you do? You have to keep your best interests at heart, as well as your client's, so decide if you have no basis for an argument, is it really worth it to take that position?
- Look at things as an outsider. It doesn't matter how you would react. You have to see things from the outside. Even if there are mitigating circumstances does that make an excuse?
- Have evidence to prove what you say is true. Everything you say should be backed up with evidence. Without it you cannot prove your accusation is the truth.
- Be concise. Excess verbiage clutters the issues.
Tips
- Talk to lawyers, judges and others who work within the legal system to see how they operate.
- Get a notebook or legal pad and make notes.
- Sometimes you have to do things that don't always make sense, but you have a duty to represent your client so you have to find away to manipulate your own thinking.
Warnings
- Never hurt your loved ones or friends, just to sound like a cocky, hotshot lawyer.
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