Mobosola Banjo 

(Image from UNCG News)

Imagine two lawyers standing in front of a jury. Both are equally prepared and understand the law. Both have strong evidence on their side. Only one wins. Why? Because law isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about communication. In courtrooms, boardrooms, and negotiation tables, the deciding factor is often not what is said but how it’s said. 

Law is frequently seen as a cold, rigid field of rules and logic, but in reality, it’s emotional, complex, and deeply tied to the way arguments are presented. Communication becomes a lawyer’s most powerful tool. 

While courtroom drama is in the spotlight, lawyers spend a significant amount of time negotiating deals, advising clients, writing briefs, or communicating with the public. In each of these settings, strong communication remains at the center and lawyers must tailor their communication to different audiences. They must know when to be formal or relatable, when to speak with authority and when to listen. 

In a world where public opinion can shape legal outcomes, lawyers must also learn to communicate effectively across digital platforms, ensuring their words remain impactful, even when shared online. 

Lawyers don’t just have natural talent in the courtroom. They also have extensive knowledge, rigorous training, and careful preparation. They refine their communication skills so they can present complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Effective communication is crucial to their success in the courtroom. 

Language is a lawyer’s weapon. From written contracts to the tone of closing arguments, every word is carefully chosen to convince, defend, or challenge. Every word in a legal document matters. A misplaced phrase, an ambiguous clause, or even a poorly placed comma can lead to misinterpretation, financial loss, or unintended legal consequences. 

Contrary to popular belief, winning a case isn’t just about presenting the facts. It’s about persuasion. The best lawyers don’t just present evidence, they build narratives. They use storytelling, tone, timing, and emotional appeal to make their points resonate. 

A closing argument might last only a few minutes, but its power can change the course of someone’s life. Great lawyers know how to frame facts in a compelling way, connect emotionally with a jury, use rhetoric and body language to reinforce their message, and speak with clarity and authority under pressure. This art of persuasion is honed through years of practice and refinement. It’s what separates a good attorney from a great one. 

Lawyers must write with clarity, brevity, and intent. The margin for error is razor-thin and that’s exactly why communication is such a critical legal skill and requires laser-sharp precision. A contract with unclear terms can lead to lawsuits, a statute with vague language can be challenged in court, and a single sentence in a deposition can shift an entire case. 

At the heart of every great legal outcome is powerful communication. The facts matter. The law matters. But the way an argument is built, delivered, and heard is what wins cases. Whether standing before a jury, writing the next landmark legal opinion, or negotiating justice behind closed doors, one truth remains; in law, words are everything. The next time you speak, write, or argue, remember you’re not just using words. You’re using power. 

UNCG’s Communication Lab provides students with a space to develop and sharpen communication skills for use in public speaking, class presentations, and even legal arguments.