I. Read and translate the text into Russian in writing, using your own style of interpreting:

«TOP TEN LEGAL SKILLS”

While legal positions vary greatly in scope and responsibility, there are several core legal skills that are required in most legal functions. If you are considering a career in the law, it is wise to polish these top legal skills to excel in today’s competitive legal market.

1. Spoken language. It is one of the most fundamental tools of the legal professional. Legal professionals must: Convey information in a clear, concise, and logical manner. Communicate persuasively. Advocate a position or a cause. Master legal terminology. Develop keen listening skills.

2. Written Communication. From writing simple correspondence to drafting complex legal documents, writing is an integral function of nearly every legal position. Legal professionals must: Master the stylistic and mechanical aspects of writing. Master the fundamentals of grammar. Learn how to write organized, concise and persuasive prose. Draft effective legal documents such as motions, briefs, memos.

3. Client Service. In the client-focused legal industry, serving the client honestly, capably and responsibly is crucial to success.

4. Analytical and Logical Reasoning. Legal professionals must learn to review and assimilate large volumes of complex information in an efficient and effective manner. Legal analytical and logical reasoning skills include: reviewing complex written documents, drawing inferences and making connections among legal authorities; developing logical thinking, organization and problem-solving abilities; structuring and evaluating arguments; using inductive and deductive reasoning to draw inferences and reach conclusions.

5. Legal Research. Researching legal concepts, case law, judicial opinions, statutes, regulations and other information is an important legal skill.

6. Technology. Technology is changing the legal landscape and is an integral part of every legal function. To remain effective in their jobs, legal professionals must master communications technology including e-mails, voice messaging systems, videoconferencing and related technology.

7. Knowledge of Substantive Law and Legal Procedure. All legal professionals, even those at the bottom of the legal career chain, must have basic knowledge of substantive law and legal procedure.

8. Time Management. In a profession based on a business model (billable hours) that ties productivity to financial gain, legal professionals are under constant pressure to bill time and manage large workloads.

9. Organization. In order to manage large volumes of data and documents, legal professionals must develop top-notch organizational skills.

10. Teamwork. Legal professionals do not work in a vacuum. Even solo practitioners must rely on secretaries and support staff and team up with co-counsels, experts to deliver legal services.

Домашнее задание:

I. Translate the text into Russian in writing.

II. Find the following grammar in the text and write out all examples:

1. One predicate in the passive voice;

2. Phrases with preposition of to form genitive case (родительный падеж), e.g. one of the most fundamental tools – один из основных приемов;

3. Translate the underlined words and word-combinations (write them out of the text with translation);

III. Form 8 questions to the text in English (4 general and 4 special questions).