Sexual harassment is never an easy thing to go through. It can be even harder when you have to recall the traumatic events you’ve experienced to a lawyer.
When you’re using a sexual harassment lawyer to help you file a claim, you will be working closely with them to create a claim again the perpetrator. Due to the sensitive nature of sexual harassment, you want to hire somebody who is experienced and professional, yet shows their compassionate side.
Here are some key qualities that you should look out for before you commit to hiring a sexual harassment lawyer.
1. Compassion and Non-judgemental
Sexual harassment is never an easy thing to go through. For this reason, it’s important that you find a lawyer that will show you compassion. All lawyers must be non-judgemental when dealing with a client’s claim, but it’s particularly important for those who are dealing with sexual harassment cases.
They should be able to understand your emotions and listen to how you feel with an open mind. This will make it easier for you to open up and explain what has happened. Lawyers who can empathise with you and put themselves in your shoes will be able to formulate a detailed case on your behalf.
2. Approachable
In order for you to feel able to open up to them, a sexual harassment lawyer needs to be friendly and approachable. When you can open up to them, they will be able to formulate a detailed claim with the necessary details to win your case.
3. Adaptive
People skills are important for any lawyer as they are dealing with different people every day. They need to be adaptable to suit the multiple judges, juries, and clients they will work with during their careers.
Adaptability is also key during the trial. Your lawyer needs to be quick on their feet to respond to whatever the opposition throws at them. They need to be concise and persuasive when responding the reactions of the judge and jury in the court room.
4. Good Listening Skills and Effective Communication
Sexual harassment lawyers need to have good listening skills and effective communication in order to listen to the details of your case and ask the right questions. They need to know what to say and how to say it in a non-offensive and compassionate way.
Lawyers need to be active listeners so they can take note of everything that you say. There may be things you mention that can help to strengthen your case prior to the trial.
Their communication is extremely important during the trial too. A good lawyer can win a case by actively listening to what is being said by the judge and the jury. They also need to be good at communicating why their client deserves to win the case over the opposition.
It’s not just verbal communication that matters. Written communication is also key. Lawyers need to write clear and concise notes for legal documentation.
