Lawyers handle conflicts every day when representing their clients. However, how they handle the situation determines the outcome. There are better approaches than taking the case headfirst, putting up a fight or shying away from the conflict.
Instead, strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills are the sure bet ingredients in solving conflict amicably. This set of skills will help you deliver a victory to your client within no time and spare them the stress and trouble of a prolonged legal battle.
So how does being a good negotiator in conflict resolution help you become the best lawyer? How do these skills contribute to your effectiveness? This article will explore these questions and provide precise and clear answers on how these skills can shape your career.
What are negotiation and conflict negotiation skills?
Conflict resolution is ending a disagreement and reaching a consensus that satisfies both parties. It is the process where parties involved in a dispute decide what is fair from a biased point of view.
Disagreements and conflicts will always arise, as it is part of being human. Strong conflict resolution skills are needed to facilitate discussions, control emotional responses and increase understanding among parties when the situation arises.
Negotiation skills help parties engage in a meaningful discussion where each party presents their opinions and ideas to find a solution that benefits all. The back-and-forth communication is meant to reach an agreement, even if it means compromising to achieve a solution.
Golden rules of negotiation for lawyers
Your negotiation skills as a lawyer can make or break a case. Therefore, to effectively achieve the best outcome for your client, you must be willing to employ these effective negotiation strategies.
Information is power
Before entering into negotiations, you must prepare thoroughly and do your homework. Learn as much as you can about the other party and their interests. The information you gather will help you determine whether you can realistically achieve your demands or whether there will be room for compromise. Additionally, you can use the information to prepare for trial if the negotiation does not bear fruit and the dispute proceeds to a lawsuit.
Listen and learn
As a rule of thumb, negotiation power goes to those who listen and learn. Therefore, never enter into negotiations to persuade the other party why your stand is legitimate and why they should agree with your client. Instead, ask the other party questions and listen keenly to the answers. Gather as much information as possible to build creative ideas, and you will have an edge over the opposing party.
Keep your cool
Although negotiations can be tense and emotional, it’s crucial to remain composed during the process, refrain from attacking other people or becoming defensive and instead concentrate on the problems at hand and contribute towards finding solutions.
Know when to walk away
Negotiations only sometimes lead to favorable outcomes. In some cases, you should know when to walk away. But before making such a bold judgment, ensure that continuing the negotiations is no longer productive and explain to the other party. Also, inform the other party that your offer to negotiate still stands should they wish to reconsider and compromise, but be sure to give a time limit for your offer.
Learn and improve your negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
As a lawyer, you must appreciate the fact that the ability to engage in conflict resolution and negotiation is not an inborn skill. It’s something you acquire through learning and continuous improvement.
Through online JD programs offered in reputable institutions such as Cleveland State University, you equip yourself with the skills needed to set yourself apart from other graduates in the job market and become a well-rounded lawyer. These rigorous programs integrate experiential learning opportunities and help you put classroom theories into practice. You are also paired with mentors for professional development as you learn core legal concepts and hone vital skills such as negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
How negotiation and conflict negotiation skills help lawyers
Reach favorable outcomes for the client
Negotiation and conflict resolution skills are crucial to the profession, as they can help lawyers secure better client deals. Being able to communicate clearly and persuasively aid in solving disputes by minimizing conflicts and maximizing the chances of a positive outcome.
Faster and more effective resolution
According to the American Bar Association, 90% of all legal cases end at the negotiation stage. Therefore, having negotiation and conflict resolution skills makes you an effective lawyer, as you can advocate for your client and reach an amicable solution promptly.
You’ll be able to communicate effectively with the opposing party and find common ground together. As a result, you’ll save your client time and money as they avoid unnecessary, expensive and lengthy lawsuits.
Build relationships
Negotiations and conflict resolution are powerful tools that help you build relationships with clients, lawyers and judges. Taking time to listen and working collaboratively towards a favorable outcome demonstrates your commitment to your career and builds a strong foundation for future interactions.
Maintain professional boundaries
When upholding ethical limits, a lawyer’s toolkit should include negotiation skills. Lawyers need to be able to negotiate terms and agreements with clients or other parties while still acting professionally and respecting ethical standards.
Strong negotiating skills enable one to set clear boundaries and expectations in a legal situation from the start. This guarantees that everyone involved is on the same page and helps avoid misunderstandings or problems in the future. Effective negotiating also allows lawyers to avoid being overly attached or emotionally involved in a case or the outcome.
Negotiation and conflict resolution skills are vital for a lawyer’s career. They help win cases and find win-win solutions for involved parties. These skills also enable lawyers to navigate difficult conversations, handle emotions, communicate effectively and achieve favorable outcomes.
Negotiation and conflict resolution skills also apply to a lawyer’s daily operations. With these skills in their toolkit, they can build relationships that positively impact their career.