Whether in legal practice or the law school classroom, good lawyers realise that we serve in various key roles as educators, advisors, and leaders. How well we communicate with others in these roles will often define our success in the profession.

This Practice Note discusses the essential elements of good communication with clients, colleagues, bosses, and the greater community. These essential elements include:

1. Identifying our audience and purpose.

2. Our duty to inform.

3. Our aim to persuade.

4. The power of clarity and simplicity.

5. The importance of context and examples.

6. The power of repetition.

The tools that law professors use to communicate with students in the classroom are also useful in legal practice.

While this Note focuses on how lawyers can be effective communicators, we must not forget that this also necessitates being an effective listener. While this Note doesn't address this skill, it is no doubt a key ingredient for effective communication.