“The proper use of language is critical to the work of an Attorney –at-Law; without same an Attorney may find himself unable to adequately charter the waters of the legal profession. ” The employment of appropriate language is essential to the work of an Attorney-At-Law, as essentially it is the fundamental basis needed in actively performing the duties, roles and tasks in this profession.
With respect to this, language in the legal profession can be viewed as the method of communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way, which ultimately is needed to discuss a particular issue at hand. This feature in law is important as it offers a form of fluidity in the form of expression and comprehension in different contexts, shades of meanings, interpretive problems and the hazards in use of ambiguous terms.
Skilled interpretation requires knowledge and deceptiveness in language through emotional charged words and meanings which attempts to showcase the particular issue being presented. Additionally, it involves having a misrepresentation of words, especially in contexts where a written document is needed to concrete a viable case or deal for a prospective client. How a lawyer speaks and write can determine the magnitude of the point he/she may be trying to make, which in turn can attract authority for the person reading or attempting to interpret the case being presented.
Additionally, formality and the use of proper vocabulary can illustrate an organized presentation, which in turn offers clarity and conciseness needed in effective language skills. Some of this formality in legal writing is necessary and desirable, given the importance of some legal documents and the seriousness of the circumstances in which some legal documents are used. Finally, a form of persuasive need may also be demonstrated, which is essential in the use of negotiating/reviewing a contract, examining a witness in court or preparing an appellate brief to be presented in litigation.
