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What Role Do Empathy and Compassion Play in Being a Good Lawyer?

Conan Young in a suit

Going through a lawsuit or any kind of litigation can be a stressful time, whether you’re the plaintiff or defendant in the case. As a lawyer representing a client, it’s important to provide your years of experience and understanding of the law to provide the best representation possible. However, a little human nature is a part of the job as well, providing empathy and compassion in and out of the legal realm. This can actually benefit your case in the long run.

Active listening brings attention to detail.

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Experienced attorneys like Malliha Wilson understand the importance of care and compassion after decades of taking on notable cases in human rights and labour law across Canada. Dealing with complex litigation aimed at improving working conditions and equality in the government and workplace has made Malliha Wilson the accomplished role model that she is today. Wilson has often stated publically that her passion is equal rights for all, and that empathy and compassion are what makes her legal services stand out.

The truth is that building any civil or criminal case requires an understanding of all of the details of the situation. Active listening allows you to engage in conversation better, pinpointing details that may be able to provide you better backing for evidence as a lawyer. Whether you’re dealing with a trial or just in mediation, you want to be able to empathize with your client’s issues. You want to provide an outlet where they feel comfortable, feeling like they are heard.

Compassion establishes trust.

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Opening your heart to your client will help them open up to you. Whether you’re a senior counsel or an Edwardsville personal injury lawyer, you want to be able to provide extensive experience while offering a shoulder to lean on throughout litigation. It’s difficult to build a relationship with someone who keeps their emotions hidden away. Being able to relate and empathize with a client will show them that you can be trusted and that you are operating with their best interests in mind. Relationships are built on trust and compassion aids with creating that bond.

Displaying compassion is a two-way street that can build strength and success for a case, regardless of the area of law. Within the realm of personal injury law, it’s important to empathize with the situation. If your client is dealing with significant physical pain brought on by a car accident, you want them to know that you are working to make sure their medical expenses are not a burden for them in their recovery. You want to allow them to confide in you when it comes to how they are dealing with the aftermath of a wreck.

Compassion provides motivation.

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The rule of law is always paramount in any litigation, but affording success in the courtroom can start with providing a compassionate and sympathetic ear. This can not only build trust but also motivate your client to want to pursue legal action knowing that you are doing so with their best interests in mind. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the United States, the United Kingdom, or any other country: Having a great deal of care and concern can push a lawyer to go the extra mile.

Whether it’s a medical malpractice lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit, counsel needs to make moves based on what their client wants. If you can build that understanding, you can make them feel assured that they are spending their money properly on legal fees. Being a successful attorney starts with a remarkable knowledge of the rule of law, but prolonged success continues with providing compassion for your clients.