COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR LAWYERS 

Syllabus: AY 2019-2020 
1​st​ Semester 
Professor: Oliver Xavier A. Reyes 
 
Course Objectives: 
 
● To understand the role of a lawyer as an advocate for the interests of the 
client, no matter the stage of the dispute or the situation requiring legal 
assistance. 
● To understand the legal method as the primary means employed to 
advocate the interests of your client. 
● To effectively communicate in the English language for the purpose of 
fulfilling duties and roles as a lawyer and advocate. 
● To familiarize oneself with the daily work routine of a practicing lawyer 
and the kind of written and oral communications a lawyer is expected to 
undertake. 
● To distill and communicate legal knowledge to a layperson in a manner 
that is accurate yet easy to understand and purposeful to the uses of a 
client.  
● To learn the best practices in writing demand letters and other such 
written communications that convey a legal client’s intentions. 
● To apply written and oral communication skills towards obtaining a 
favorable result in negotiating an out-of-court settlement of a dispute.  
 
I. Overview of Legal Method (Classroom Exercise) 
A. Problem Analysis 
B. Identification of Relevant Facts and Issues 
C. Working For the Client’s Interests 
 
II. Refresher on Effective Basic Writing Skills 
 
A. Diagnostic Test/How to Write a Demand Letter 
B. Modern Legal Writing (Plain English) 
 
Recommended References: 
 
● Strunk & White, ​The Elements of Style 
● Garner, L​ egal Writing in Plain English 
 
III. Other Routine Written Legal Communications 
A. Engagement Letter 
B. Billing Letter 
C. Inter-Office Legal Memorandum 
 D. Legal Opinion 
 
IV. Online Deportment as a Lawyer 
 
● Belo-Henares v. Atty. Guevarra​, A.C. No. 11394, 1 
December 2016 
● Yabut v. Atty. Manalo​, A.C. No. 10295, 30 August 2017 
(Unsigned Resolution) 
● OCA Circular No. 173-2017, 17 August 2017 
● Metropolitan Club v. Atty. Tolentino​, A.C. No. 11613, 5 July 
2017 
● Lorenzana v. Judge Austria​, A.M. No. RTJ-09-2200, 2 April 
2014 
● OCA v. Judge Yu​, A.M. No. MTJ-12-1813, 22 November 
2016 
 
V. Acquiring Knowledge 
A. Listening Skills 
B. Interview Skills (How to Interview) 
C. Basic Research Skills 
D. Ethical Considerations 
 
Recommended References: 
 
● Schoenfield & Schoenfield, ​Interviewing and Counseling Clients 
​ 1 Akron LRev 313 
in a Legal Setting, 1
 
VI. Negotiations and Alternative Dispute Resolution 
 
Recommended References: 
 
​ etting to Yes 
● Fisher & Ury, G
 
VII. Public Relations In Behalf of Client 
A. Public Relations Campaign 
B. Press Releases 
C. Letters to the Editor 
D. Speeches 
E. Ethical Considerations 
 
 
VIII. Oral Advocacy 
A. Delivering a Presentation 
B. Responding to Judicial Interrogation