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Lawyers

SOC 23-1011.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparation

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Context coveredBig-law, mid-size firm, in-house, and government practice across litigation, transactional, regulatory, and specialty areas; first-year associate through equity partner / general counsel.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Legal research (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law) — execute on assigned questions under a senior associate's direction.
  2. Memorandum writing — produce on discrete research questions with senior-attorney edits.
  3. Document review for discovery — perform per protocol on a tier-1 substantive review.
  4. Case file organization — maintain to firm standards across an active matter.
  5. Citation checking and Bluebooking — apply consistently in legal-writing assignments.
  6. Court filings and procedural deadlines — track and meet under a paralegal's and senior's review.
  7. Client correspondence and engagement letters — draft for senior attorney sign-off.
  8. Deposition and hearing transcripts — summarize accurately for case team review.
  9. Confidentiality and conflict-of-interest screens — apply consistently across new-matter intake.
  10. Time entry and billable-hours discipline — record contemporaneously per firm standards.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Discrete substantive sections of briefs and motions — draft for partner review on owned cases.
  2. Discovery production and response — manage on routine cases with reduced senior oversight.
  3. Deposition preparation — assist with outlines, exhibits, and witness prep on standard cases.
  4. Client meetings and calls — attend substantively and contribute to follow-ups.
  5. Routine court appearances (status conferences, motion arguments) — handle solo on familiar matters.
  6. Junior associates and law clerks on assigned sections — review and coach during their first year.
  7. Substantive expertise in a practice area — develop over a 2–4 year specialization period.
  8. Settlement negotiations under partner direction — participate substantively in mediations and conferences.
  9. Witness interviews and fact-development — conduct on case-relevant fact patterns.
  10. Engagement management and budgets — track on owned matter components.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Full case ownership — manage from intake through resolution on mid-complexity matters.
  2. Trial-team second-chair responsibilities — handle witness exam, opening or closing, and motion argument on substantial cases.
  3. Client relationships at controller/GC level — manage across a portfolio of matters.
  4. Negotiation of complex transactions or settlements — lead with senior backstop on owned deals.
  5. Substantive specialty expertise — recognized within the firm or industry niche.
  6. Junior and senior associates — mentor on practice technique and career development.
  7. Practice-area thought leadership — contribute through publication, CLE, or industry-group participation.
  8. Engagement profitability and team economics — manage to firm targets on owned matters.
  9. Cross-practice collaboration — coordinate with tax, IP, litigation, regulatory partners on integrated matters.
  10. Pro bono leadership — own significant pro bono matters in addition to commercial work.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Practice group, transactional team, or trial team — lead with origination and supervisory responsibility.
  2. Major matters with bet-the-company stakes — drive to defensible outcomes with executive and board engagement.
  3. Client relationships at CEO / board / general-counsel level — steward across multi-year arcs.
  4. Practice-area strategy and origination — develop business that sustains the team's pipeline.
  5. Hiring, partnership-track, and equity-share decisions — shape across the practice.
  6. Major regulatory or governmental engagements — represent clients at agency, court, or congressional level.
  7. Profession-level contributions (rule-making, bar leadership, judicial appointment, academic) — make credibly over time.
  8. Crisis and high-profile representation — lead client through media, regulatory, and reputational complexity.
  9. Cross-practice and cross-office initiatives — drive firm-level outcomes.
  10. Successor pipeline and partner development — shape the practice's next generation.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted legal research — uses AI tools to retrieve relevant statutes, case law, and regulatory guidance, then verifies citations and applicability through independent review Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Document drafting support — submits routine correspondence, engagement letters, and boilerplate contract clauses to an AI assistant, then edits output for accuracy and client specificity Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Case law synthesis — delegates initial aggregation and summarization of legal precedents to an AI assistant, then applies critical judgment to assess relevance and weight before incorporating findings into case strategy Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Contract review acceleration — directs an AI tool to flag non-standard clauses and missing provisions across lengthy agreements, reducing review time materially while retaining full professional responsibility for the final assessment Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Legal memo production — uses AI to generate a first-draft legal memorandum on a defined question of law, then rewrites analysis sections and conclusion to reflect jurisdiction-specific nuance and client objectives Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Strategic argument development — uses AI-generated analysis of opposing precedents as an analytical foil, then constructs original argumentation that accounts for jurisdiction-specific procedural rules and judicial temperament the AI cannot reliably model Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Discovery document triage — directs AI tools to categorize and surface potentially relevant documents within large production sets, then applies attorney judgment to privilege review and relevance determinations that require legal interpretation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Deposition and witness preparation — leverages AI summaries of deposition transcripts and prior statements to identify inconsistencies, then independently develops examination strategy grounded in oral advocacy skills the AI augments but does not replace Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Outcome probability assessment — integrates AI-generated win-rate and settlement-value analyses into case evaluation, then weighs those outputs against non-quantifiable factors such as client risk tolerance and jury dynamics before advising the client Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI workflow governance — designs office-wide protocols governing which legal tasks are routed to AI tools versus handled exclusively by attorneys, calibrating delegation thresholds to the 0.18 autonomy baseline appropriate for high-stakes legal work Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Ethical compliance oversight — audits AI-assisted work product for unauthorized practice risk, confidentiality exposure, and competence obligations under applicable bar rules, ensuring all client-facing output meets professional responsibility standards WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Complex litigation orchestration — coordinates AI agents across research, document review, and drafting sub-tasks within multi-matter representations, maintaining strategic authorship and exercising continuous critical review over each AI-generated work product Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. AI capability boundary advocacy — advises institutional clients and legal operations teams on the limits of AI automation for legal functions, drawing on occupation-level data showing an 84.1% augmentation versus 12.4% delegation split to set realistic expectations for AI deployment in legal practice Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 38
Augment share: 84.1%
Time saved: 52.7%
AI autonomy: 0.18
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Speaking
Score: 48.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication14 statements
Emerging
  1. Client intake communication — elicits basic facts and concerns from clients through structured initial interviews in office or intake settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Legal document drafting — produces first-draft contracts, memos, or correspondence under supervision using standard legal templates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Courtroom observation — identifies key verbal and nonverbal communication strategies used by experienced counsel during proceedings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Witness communication — interviews witnesses to ascertain case facts, adapting questioning style to elicit accurate and complete testimony Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Legal writing — drafts motions, briefs, and demand letters with clear legal reasoning and citation support, requiring moderate revision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Client advisement — explains legal rights, obligations, and probable outcomes to clients in plain language, minimizing legal jargon Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Oral argument — presents case theory and legal arguments before judges and government agencies with logical structure and persuasive delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Contract communication — drafts and reviews complex legal documents such as wills, deeds, leases, and mergers, ensuring precision and enforceability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-examination — conducts targeted cross-examination of adverse witnesses, controlling narrative through precise questioning technique Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Regulatory interpretation — translates complex statutory and regulatory language into actionable guidance for business and individual clients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Appellate advocacy — crafts and delivers high-stakes appellate arguments that synthesize complex legal doctrine into persuasive, precedent-shaping narratives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategic client communication — leads sensitive negotiations and crisis communications on behalf of clients, managing multi-party discourse across legal and business contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Legal communication mentorship — coaches junior attorneys on written and oral advocacy skills, establishing communication standards across a practice group Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Media and public communication — represents firm or client interests through public statements, media engagements, or legislative testimony with precision and authority Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Case responsibility — takes ownership of discrete research tasks and delivers findings that support senior attorneys managing active matters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional initiative — proactively identifies procedural deadlines and flags potential issues to supervising counsel without being prompted Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Matter management — independently manages assigned cases from intake through resolution, coordinating with clients, paralegals, and court personnel Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Junior staff direction — assigns and reviews work product of paralegals and law clerks, providing constructive guidance on legal research and drafting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Client relationship leadership — serves as primary legal advisor for client accounts, making strategic decisions about litigation posture, settlement, and risk tolerance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Litigation team leadership — leads trial preparation teams, delegating responsibilities, setting timelines, and maintaining accountability across complex multi-party cases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Practice area ownership — develops and implements legal strategy for a defined practice area, setting standards for case handling and client service Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Firm leadership — shapes organizational strategy, culture, and attorney development initiatives at the practice group or firm-wide level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional legal leadership — leads legal departments, bar associations, or public agencies, setting policy direction and modeling ethical professional standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Succession and mentorship — identifies and cultivates next-generation legal talent, building leadership pipelines through structured mentorship and progressive responsibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition10 statements
Emerging
  1. Research self-assessment — identifies gaps in legal knowledge after initial research and develops targeted strategies to locate relevant statutes and case law Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning from feedback — reflects on supervising attorney critiques of written work product and adjusts drafting approach in subsequent assignments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Case preparation monitoring — evaluates personal readiness for hearings or depositions, identifies weak points in legal arguments, and adjusts preparation strategy accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive bias awareness — recognizes confirmation bias tendencies when analyzing case facts and deliberately seeks disconfirming evidence before forming legal conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Strategic self-evaluation — conducts post-case debriefs to assess quality of legal strategy, advocacy decisions, and client outcomes, integrating lessons into future practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty calibration — accurately assesses and communicates confidence levels when advising clients on probable litigation outcomes and legal risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Knowledge boundary recognition — identifies when matters exceed personal expertise and proactively engages specialists or co-counsel to serve client interests Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Practice-level learning systems — designs structured after-action review processes for legal teams that institutionalize metacognitive reflection across complex matters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive legal strategy — monitors evolving case dynamics in real time, consciously adjusting litigation or negotiation strategy based on ongoing self-assessment of what is and is not working Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Teaching metacognitive practice — models and teaches junior attorneys how to audit their own legal reasoning, identify cognitive shortcuts, and develop more rigorous analytical habits Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking12 statements
Emerging
  1. Legal research analysis — identifies controlling statutes and relevant case law applicable to a defined legal question and summarizes holdings accurately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Fact pattern evaluation — distinguishes legally relevant facts from background information when reviewing client intake materials Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Precedent analysis — compares case facts to legal precedents, evaluates analogical strength, and applies findings to assess probable case outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence evaluation — examines gathered evidence for credibility, admissibility, and evidentiary weight in support of case theory development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Assumption identification — surfaces hidden assumptions embedded in client instructions or opposing counsel arguments before formulating legal responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Case outcome analysis — analyzes the probable outcomes of litigation using multi-variable assessment of legal precedents, evidentiary strength, and judicial tendencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Legal advisability judgment — examines legal data to determine whether prosecuting or defending a lawsuit serves the client's interests, weighing risk, cost, and precedent Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Regulatory reasoning — interprets laws, rulings, and regulations by applying structured statutory construction principles to novel factual scenarios Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Transaction risk analysis — identifies legal vulnerabilities in proposed business transactions, contracts, or corporate structures and recommends mitigating provisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Novel legal theory development — constructs original legal arguments where existing precedent is absent or adverse, synthesizing analogical reasoning across doctrinal areas Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. High-stakes judgment — makes real-time litigation decisions during trial — on objections, witness handling, and jury dynamics — under conditions of incomplete information and time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic legal critique — evaluates broader legal frameworks for internal inconsistency, policy gaps, or inequitable application, contributing analysis to legislative or regulatory reform discussions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration10 statements
Emerging
  1. Team research contribution — completes assigned research tasks on schedule and shares findings with supervising attorneys and co-counsel in accessible formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Client team participation — attends client meetings alongside senior attorneys, takes accurate notes, and follows up on assigned action items Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Co-counsel coordination — collaborates with co-counsel, expert witnesses, and paralegals to develop integrated case strategy and divide discovery workload effectively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary collaboration — works with accountants, investigators, engineers, or other specialists to gather technical evidence and translate findings into legal arguments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Litigation team coordination — aligns multi-attorney teams around unified case theory, managing divergent analytical perspectives and maintaining strategic cohesion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Opposing counsel negotiation — collaborates with adverse parties in settlement discussions and discovery disputes to achieve resolutions that serve client interests Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Client-counsel partnership — builds sustained collaborative relationships with clients, integrating legal counsel into their decision-making processes for ongoing matters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-practice collaboration — leads multi-disciplinary legal teams spanning transactional, litigation, and regulatory practices to deliver integrated client solutions on complex matters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Public-private legal collaboration — partners with government agencies, regulatory bodies, or opposing institutions to negotiate consent decrees, settlements, or legislative frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Collaborative culture development — builds collaborative norms and mutual accountability practices across legal teams, reducing silos and improving collective case outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character11 statements
Emerging
  1. Professional ethics awareness — demonstrates knowledge of applicable rules of professional conduct, including confidentiality obligations and conflict-of-interest rules Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Candor in communication — provides honest, accurate assessments to supervising attorneys and clients even when findings are unfavorable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Confidentiality stewardship — maintains strict client confidentiality in all communications, document handling, and third-party interactions as required by professional rules Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict management — proactively identifies and discloses potential conflicts of interest before undertaking representation, following firm and bar protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Accountability for work product — takes responsibility for errors in filings or legal advice and corrects them promptly with transparency to supervising counsel and clients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Zealous and ethical advocacy — represents clients with full commitment while maintaining candor toward tribunals and refusing to present false evidence or misleading arguments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Fiduciary responsibility — acts consistently in the client's best interest in all transactional and advisory matters, subordinating personal or firm interests to client welfare Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional boundaries — maintains appropriate professional relationships with clients, witnesses, and opposing parties, avoiding conduct that undermines the integrity of proceedings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership in practice — models and enforces high ethical standards across a legal team or practice group, addressing misconduct directly and establishing accountability norms Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Pro bono commitment — dedicates meaningful time to access-to-justice initiatives, modeling professional responsibility as an obligation beyond billable practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic integrity advocacy — identifies and speaks out against systemic ethical failures within legal institutions, contributing to reform through bar leadership or public discourse Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity10 statements
Emerging
  1. Alternative research framing — explores non-obvious legal theories and adjacent precedents when primary authorities do not directly support a client's position Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Document structure innovation — experiments with organizational formats for legal memos or briefs to improve clarity and persuasive impact Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Creative argument construction — develops novel analogical arguments connecting precedents from distinct legal domains to support client positions in unsettled areas of law Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Transactional problem-solving — designs non-standard contractual structures or deal terms that satisfy client business objectives while remaining legally enforceable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Litigation strategy innovation — develops unconventional case theories or procedural strategies that reframe how a dispute is presented, creating tactical advantages Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory workaround design — identifies creative compliance pathways that achieve client business goals within the boundaries of applicable law and regulation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Settlement architecture — constructs creative settlement frameworks that address multi-party interests in ways that exceed what litigation outcomes could produce Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Legal precedent creation — crafts arguments in cases of first impression that establish new legal standards, reshaping the interpretation of statutes or constitutional provisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice area innovation — develops novel legal service delivery models, practice methodologies, or client engagement frameworks that advance the profession Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-disciplinary legal synthesis — integrates insights from behavioral economics, technology, or public policy to create legal strategies that transcend conventional doctrinal thinking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset10 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback integration — receives critical feedback on legal research and writing from supervising attorneys and applies corrections systematically in subsequent work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Unfamiliar area engagement — accepts assignments in practice areas outside prior experience and pursues competence through deliberate research and consultation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Adverse outcome learning — analyzes unfavorable rulings or lost motions to extract tactical lessons and refine legal strategy for future matters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuing legal education — proactively pursues CLE and professional development in evolving areas of law, treating regulatory change as an opportunity rather than a burden Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Setback resilience — maintains client service quality and professional composure following adverse verdicts, regulatory defeats, or failed negotiations, redirecting energy toward appellate or alternative remedies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emerging law adaptation — rapidly builds competency in newly relevant legal areas — such as emerging technology law, new regulatory schemes, or novel transactional structures — as client needs evolve Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Constructive self-challenge — voluntarily takes on high-stakes matters that require skills not yet fully mastered, viewing stretch assignments as accelerants to professional growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-level learning contribution — publishes legal analysis, teaches, or presents at professional conferences, contributing to the collective learning of the legal profession Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational growth culture — creates practice environments where mistakes are debriefed systematically and attorneys at all levels are supported in taking on developmental challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Reinvention through disruption — embraces practice-transforming changes such as legal technology adoption or alternative fee structures as growth opportunities rather than existential threats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness10 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management — sustains focused attention during lengthy document review, research sessions, and client interviews without losing track of key legal details Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional awareness — recognizes personal stress responses during high-pressure deadlines and takes corrective steps to maintain work quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Courtroom composure — maintains calm and attentive presence during hearings and depositions, detecting real-time shifts in opposing counsel strategy or judicial reception Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client emotional attunement — recognizes emotional distress in clients during consultations and adjusts communication approach to balance legal candor with empathetic presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-pressure decision clarity — makes precise legal judgment calls during trial or negotiation under time pressure by managing cognitive load and maintaining clear situational awareness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional client communication — approaches sensitive client conversations — involving significant loss, risk, or bad news — with deliberate pacing, active listening, and emotional regulation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Workload mindfulness — monitors personal and team bandwidth against caseload demands and raises resource concerns proactively rather than absorbing unsustainable load silently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational stress stewardship — identifies burnout risk patterns across legal teams and takes intentional structural steps to preserve attorney wellbeing and sustainable performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adversarial equanimity — maintains strategic clarity and professional demeanor in the most hostile or emotionally charged legal environments, modeling regulated presence for clients and colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mindful leadership practice — integrates mindfulness principles into how legal teams are supervised and how high-stakes decisions are made, reducing reactive error and improving deliberative quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Deadline persistence — completes research and drafting assignments under tight deadlines without sacrificing accuracy or thoroughness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adversity tolerance — continues effective performance when initial legal theories are challenged by supervising attorneys or contradicted by new research findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Protracted litigation endurance — sustains engagement quality and strategic focus across multi-month or multi-year litigation matters without losing attention to detail Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Hostile environment performance — maintains professional effectiveness and advocacy quality during aggressive depositions, hostile cross-examination, or contentious negotiations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Adverse verdict recovery — rebounds constructively from trial losses or regulatory defeats, immediately pivoting to appellate strategy or alternative remedies in service of the client Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Unpopular position advocacy — argues legally sound but publicly unpopular positions before tribunals or in negotiations, sustaining professional courage under reputational pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Complex matter endurance — leads multi-year, multi-party litigation or transactional matters through extended uncertainty, maintaining team morale and strategic coherence throughout Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Precedent-setting persistence — pursues novel legal arguments through repeated adverse rulings at lower court levels, sustaining conviction in the legal theory until appellate vindication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic injustice confrontation — takes on cases or causes that involve significant professional, financial, or reputational risk because the legal principles or client welfare demands it Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis leadership under pressure — guides clients and legal teams through catastrophic legal crises — criminal exposure, regulatory shutdown, high-profile litigation — with sustained judgment and resolve Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Admiralty Lawyer · Agency Legal Counsel · Attorney · Attorney at Law · Attorney General · Barrister · Business Lawyer · Chief Counsel · City Attorney · City Solicitor · Civil Lawyer · Civil Litigation Attorney
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
SpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingPersuasionNegotiationActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessTime ManagementCoordinationSystems AnalysisMonitoringLearning StrategiesInstructingService OrientationSystems Evaluation
Knowledge domains
Law and GovernmentEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsCommunications and Media
Abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionSpeech ClarityDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingFluency of Ideas
Work styles
IntegrityAttention to DetailDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityAchievement OrientationCautiousness
Technology
Data base user interface and query softwareDocument management softwareBilling and invoicing softwareProject management softwareElectronic mail softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareOffice suite softwareTime accounting softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  2. Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
  3. Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
  4. Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
  5. Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
  6. Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
  7. Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
  8. Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
CIP education codes
22.010122.020122.020222.020322.020422.020522.020622.020722.020822.020922.021022.021122.021222.021322.021422.021522.021622.021722.021822.021922.022022.022122.022222.022322.022422.0299

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.