When you think of a barrister, you often imagine someone in a wig and gown, using their powers of rhetoric to persuade a jury. But there are many key transferable skills that a good barrister will use when acting on behalf of another. 
Words by Susanne Tayfoor, barrister and founder of The Junior Lawyers Club. 
Some key skills that a barrister uses every day include critical thinking. They need to quickly analyse complex information, question assumptions and conclusions, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of arguments. Critical thinking will help children to make informed decisions, think independently, and resist peer pressure. 
Lawyers also have to be able to listen carefully, to witnesses, clients, and opponents. Active listening involves not only an awareness of the choice of words, but also of tone, facial expressions and gestures. Active listening will help children with the ability to understand others and engage meaningfully in conversations, as well as the ability to focus on and comprehend instructions in school and when starting out in the world of work.  Empathy is another key skill. It?s crucial for a lawyer to be able to understand all sides of an issue, to anticipate the concerns and demands they may face. This will help them to prepare a case as well as to negotiate a settlement. Empathy is a skill that will enable children to connect with others and form strong social bonds, as well as developing compassion and a greater understanding of issues.
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