COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR LAWYERS

Syllabus: AY 2015-2016
1st Semester
Professor: Oliver Xavier A. Reyes

Course Objectives:

• To understand the role of a lawyer as an advocate for the interests of the

client, no matter the stage of the dispute or the situation requiring legal
assistance.
• To understand the legal method as the primary means employed to
advocate the interests of your client.
• To familiarize oneself with the daily work routine of a practicing lawyer
and the kind of written and oral communications a lawyer is expected to
undertake.
• To distill and communicate legal knowledge to a layperson in a manner
that is accurate yet easy to understand and purposeful to the uses of a
client.
• To learn the best practices in writing demand letters and other such
written communications that convey a legal client’s intentions.
• To apply written and oral communication skills towards obtaining a
favorable result in negotiating an out-of-court settlement of a dispute.
•

I. Refresher on Effective Basic Writing Skills

A. Diagnostics – Basic Writing and Grammar

B. Modern Legal Writing (Plain English)

Recommended References:

• Strunk & White, The Elements of Style

• Garner, Legal Writing in Plain English

II. Overview of Legal Method

A. Problem Analysis
B. Identification of Relevant Facts and Issues
C. Working For the Client’s Interests
III. Routine Written Legal Communications
A. Engagement Letter
B. Demand Letter
C. Billing Letter
D. Inter-Office Legal Memorandum
E. Legal Opinion

IV. Acquiring Knowledge

A. Listening Skills
B. Interview Skills (How to Interview)
C. Basic Research Skills

Recommended References:

• Schoenfield & Schoenfield, Interviewing and Counseling Clients

in a Legal Setting, 11 Akron LRev 313

V. Negotiations and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Recommended References:

• Fisher & Ury, Getting to Yes

VI. Public Relations In Behalf of Client

A. Press Releases
B. Letters to the Editor
C. Speeches
D. Media Interviews (How to be Interviewed)

VII. Oral Advocacy

A. Delivering a Presentation
B. Responding to Judicial Interrogation