Communication is a skill that every young lawyer is expected to have, even though it is a skill often lacking formal instruction. It shapes how colleagues perceive judgment, how clients experience responsiveness, and how quickly they earn trust that can lead to bigger assignments. Skillburst by BARBRI’s Communication Skills series is more relevant than ever and can reintroduce young professionals to lessons on communication preferences, proactivity, listening skills, and constructive feedback that will help guide them on their legal learning journey.
Starting with a two-part module section titled, “Communicate!,” the series addresses many simple but overlooked truths: Not everyone communicates the same way, and proactive communication is an expectation at law firms. The modules walk junior lawyers through a range of communication styles which they might encounter and how it’s vital to understand communication styles across generations. The lesson also includes a featured interactive activity that asks users to match different personality types with the communication style most likely to land well with them, giving users an early, practical feel for interpreting various conversational contexts.
The module continues to break down the four communication channels that every lawyer relies on: in-person conversation, email, phone calls, and text. There are specific best practices for each channel, followed by a self-check exercise that pushes users to reflect honestly on their own habits, notice which channels they default to and identify where they might have room for improvement.
These partner modules also emphasize that proactive listening is the fastest way that junior associates can build credibility in the firm. The modules stress that over-communication, in a clear and effective manner, is the best way to establish rapport and relationships with senior associates. Users get concrete guidance from the modules on how to address specific situations that come up in real practice, from clarifying assignment details up front to sending timely assignment updates.
Another module, “Communication Skills: Listen Up!” flips the focus from talking to listening, and opens up with a fun fill-in-the-blank and matching exercise that gets users thinking about their own listening habits. The module introduces a central rule that all lawyers should take into account when learning to be a respectful and intentional colleague: talk less and listen more. A balance between communicating and listening carefully is what makes the difference between a good and bad communicator.
The module explains that overbearing talking habits can undercut business development, relationship building, and even managerial effectiveness. Including valued perspective through impactful quotes, the module emphasizes long standing themes of compassion and integrity. It further includes a full set of practical tips for becoming a better listener: Be fully present, eliminate distractions, quiet the mind, and notice when checking out of a conversation. Users will learn to listen between the lines, learn new communication cues, and bring genuine energy and follow-up questions to the table.
The series also highlights specific instances of communication that may need further support and instruction as seen in the module “Inviting and Embracing Feedback.” It prepares users to be genuinely receptive when that feedback arrives and offers four distinct approaches to asking questions that produce conversation and constructive guidance.
Visit our website to learn more about SkillBurst by BARBRI’s Communication Skills series.
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