Category Archives: People Skills

The Essence of Lawyering

A perusal of my previous articles would reveal that this is one aspect of my personality which is less discussed.  You see, I am not a top notcher and my present job is not as challenging as my previous work -defending street criminals and habitual delinquents pro bono. Despite the lackluster quality of my current position, I am elevated to the status of a corporate lawyer.  What is a corporate lawyer?  A corporate lawyer, as the terms imply, is one who specializes in corporations law. Although I must say that this does not define what I do, one of my roles is to ensure the legality of transactions, advising the officers on their legal rights and duties, including their responsibilities. Corporate lawyers provide legal guidance for employers and clients. However, the ugly side of corporate lawyering is that I am usually hated by the rank and file employees who run afoul with the company’s rules and regulations. Let’s face it, to err is human and lawyers have their own transgressions. It’s just that, because of my legal position I am less vulnerable to attacks, or am I? Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. Why shouldn’t  I? I get to practice the course that I finished in and I get to practice my two favorite sports. The job pays well and further, we get to power dress. See?

Atty. Marianne Aningat is seated at the left front row followed by Atty. Jennifer Rosales and Atty. Arvin Pajaron. From left to right at the second row are Mary Ann Lee, Atty. Julie Marie Rivera and Atty Samina Macabando Usman

So much for power dressing. The cool aspect of lawyering is that I get to visit different places and indulge in food trip. I am sooo easy to please. Just give me  a tasty meal. Talk about travel and food, the down side is that as I visit the different branches of my office to conduct administrative hearings, people fear me or avoid me for a lot of reasons. Sometimes, the food served, if at all, are less than sumptuous-crackers and menthol and coffee candies. (Come on, I come from miles away and I look forward to a hearty meal.)

So what really is the essence of a lawyer?  A lawyer must possess a little knowledge in taxation, criminal law and people skills. Expect a lot of counseling and giving of advices the moment the audience finds out you are a practicing lawyer.   Last but definitely not the least, a lawyer must have good people skills. Not all information come from the net and books. You get a lot of it also by interacting with people.  Well, as gleaned from my previous articles, I would like to think that I am fairly good in that department.