There are a lot of misconceptions about assertive communication: “It’s only for the weak”; It’s just being rude”; “It’s just a nice term for being difficult”. When in fact, assertiveness is a powerful communication technique to create levelled grounds for productive conversations.

It might not always get what you want, but it’s generally the best approach for lawyers managing complex and challenging situations. Adopting assertive communication strategies will help you communicate your goals effectively, set boundaries, and manage expectations – the foundations of any professional relationship.

2. Become social media-savvy

Social media is an excellent avenue for lawyers to connect, share information, and build their brand. But if not managed correctly, social media can have disastrous consequences, such as irrevocable reputational damage to a firm or practitioner’s reputation or inadvertent client confidentiality breaches.

So make 2022 the year that you take social media seriously: educate yourself on its risks, set up processes for your firm to be better protected and embrace the medium to build strong and genuine relationships with your networks!

3. Master your personal bias

As we become more socially aware of the impact of cultural differences in our lives, lawyers can no longer ignore them in their practice either. Whether you’re general counsel at a large company entering the global market or a lawyer advising local clients, learning practical strategies to understand and address cross-cultural issues will make you a more versatile and successful lawyer. You will be well equipped to build strong relationships and provide the best possible advice to clients, making you a significant asset to any team.

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Take the next step this year and become the cross-cultural change agent in your environment: not only to educate yourself but to help others recognise their own bias.

4. Learn the ins and outs of negotiation

Lawyers use negotiation skills every day. And although the expectation might be that all lawyers are born negotiators – the reality differs. Fortunately, negotiation is a skill – or rather a set of skills – that you can develop and refine over time.

Don’t rely solely on your past experiences and a general sense of what consists of a “good” negotiation. Instead, apply yourself to learning and understanding the multiple facets of negotiation, from the impact of emotions to identifying bias and defining a client’s (and opponents’) needs. Building and refining an arsenal of techniques will be your competitive edge to achieve the best possible outcome for your client.

5. Understand the complexities of cyber risk

Cyber crime has become one of the fastest-growing threats to Australian businesses. Unfortunately, complacency and misconceptions about cyber risk are common and can have serious consequences for lawyers and their clients.

This is why it is critical – regardless of your seniority – to stay up to date with new and existing threats, keep up with best practices and set strong processes in place to react in case of a cybercrime event. By having a sound understanding of how cyber crime can affect your practice, you can truly add value to your firm and clients. You will become the asset they didn’t know they needed!

6. Strike a better balance

You’ve probably heard wellbeing tips a thousand times over – but make this year the time when you actually take practical steps to strike a better balance. There are many strategies you can take: prioritising your physical health, working on your mindset, finding activities that give you a greater sense of purpose. Commit to a few changes at a time, write them down and stick with them. You can share it with your partner or a friend to make it more tangible and easier to commit to. The benefits of small changes will surprise you.

Finding happiness and balance in the law will help you lay the foundation to becoming an adaptable and resilient lawyer. These are crucial characteristics to find a more prosperous, purposeful, and long-lasting career in the law.

Want to refine these skills and more? Get ahead in your legal career with LawCPD’s One-Click CPD Pack for All Lawyers! Save 20 per cent on standard pricing, earn 5 or 10 points at your own pace and get on-demand access to a series of courses to expand your expertise in areas such as:

•       Legal ethical implications of email and social media use;
•       Cyber risk mitigation strategies;
•       Negotiation and influencing skills;
•       Cross-cultural communication; and
•       Productivity and collaboration strategies.