Communication can be divided into 2 key areas: oral and written. Both are essential for legal practice, and both can be developed through academic work, extracurricular activities and part‑time employment.
Oral Communication
Mooting
Mooting is one of the most effective ways to develop advocacy skills. A moot typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes and requires students to research, prepare bundles and present arguments using case law and legal principles. Students can participate in national competitions such as the National Speed Mooting Competition or international competitions such as the Vis Moot.
These experiences strengthen research, persuasion and structured argumentation. Universities often select students to represent them nationally, offering further opportunities to refine communication skills.
Debating
Debating allows students to research a topic, construct arguments and present them to an audience. Topics may be legal or non‑legal, helping students develop commercial awareness, persuasive reasoning and confidence.
Students can encourage their Law Society to organise debating competitions or run for Student Union positions to create these opportunities. Debating helps students overcome public speaking anxiety and develop effective body language.
Written Communication
Written communication is essential for lawyers who must draft advice letters, emails and documents with clarity and precision. Miscommunication can easily occur in writing, so accuracy and structure are vital.
Essay Competitions
Essay competitions hosted by law firms, chambers and legal organisations help students develop literacy skills and subject expertise. Competing against students nationally and internationally strengthens research skills and deepens understanding of specific legal areas. These insights can be used in applications and interviews.
Publications
Students can write blogs, articles and commentary pieces for platforms such as Student Lawyer Magazine, Legal Cheek or university blogs. Publications demonstrate commercial awareness, which is highly valued by recruiters. Writing about legal developments, business trends or political events helps students understand how external factors such as Brexit or recession affect the legal sector.
Other Opportunities
Presentations and Group Work
Modules such as Legal Skills often include group assessments. These tasks encourage collaboration, idea sharing and structured communication. Presentations require research and persuasive delivery, mirroring the skills needed in legal practice.
Student Societies
Students can run for Student Union positions to organise mooting and debating competitions or contribute to university blogs. Holding a position of responsibility requires strong communication and organisational skills and helps students build a visible presence within the university community.
Pro Bono Work
Volunteering at an Advice Centre or participating in a Law Clinic module provides direct client contact. Students develop client management skills, draft letters and explain legal issues clearly. Pro bono work demonstrates commitment and passion for law and strengthens both oral and written communication.
Customer Service Roles
Part‑time work in retail or hospitality helps students develop communication, time management and resilience. Handling difficult customers builds confidence and teaches students how to communicate effectively under pressure, a skill that is invaluable in legal practice.
Final Thoughts
Law students have countless opportunities to develop communication skills. Staying open‑minded, proactive and willing to step outside your comfort zone will help you grow. Balance is key. Take on opportunities you can manage alongside your studies because academic performance remains equally important.
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