How to Develope the Skill of Active Listening

Abstract

Active listening requires that an attorney listen carefully to his client’s story and respond in a way that makes the clients feel that he has been understood. As a result, the client is less likely to omit important facts or view the lawyer as a hostile interrogator. This article describes how lawyers can use active listening effectively in interviewing and counseling situations. The process includes using both discrimination and communication to focus on both facts and feelings. Active listening responses can be viewed from three perspectives - accuracy, intensity, and form.

Keywords: active listening, empathy, rapport, clients, interviewing, counseling, law practice, paraphrasing, summarizing