Professional communication for lawyers 2025

This five-hour course is designed to equip law students with essential non-written communication skills crucial for success in the legal profession. It covers active listening, navigating difficult conversations, and collaborating effectively in teams. Through interactive modules and practical exercises, students will learn to communicate with professionalism, empathy, and cultural awareness in diverse legal settings.

When and where?

1 to 5 September 2025, 09:00 to 10:00 SAST

This course will be held remotely, most likely on Zoom.

Course outline

The course will cover the following:

1. Active listening and understanding
   • Master active listening techniques: Fully understand clients’ needs, concerns, and objectives to provide effective legal advice.
2. Navigating difficult conversations
   • Communicate legal concepts to clients clearly: Clients often lack legal expertise, so simplifying complex ideas ensures they make informed decisions.
3. Collaborative communication in teams
   • Share ideas and provide constructive feedback: Collaboration leads to stronger legal arguments and innovative case strategies.
4. Non-verbal communication skills
   • Match tone and gestures to convey professionalism: Ensures that intent aligns with their words, avoiding mixed signals.
   • Recognise non-verbal cues in others for better responses: Understanding clients’ or witnesses' emotions can reveal important, unspoken concerns.
5. Ethical and cross-cultural communication
   • Respect varying perspectives and values: Demonstrates professionalism and builds trust with clients and colleagues from different backgrounds.

These skills are critical for legal professionals to build trust, handle diverse scenarios, and communicate effectively in high-stakes environments.

Who will benefit from this course?

Law professionals, including practising lawyers, legal consultants, and law students.

Presenter

Linda Mabusela is a communication specialist and the author of Filtered – Choosing Your Words with God as Your Mouth Guard. She holds a BA (communication and psychology) from UNISA and a change management qualification from The Leadership Centre. 

With over 20 years of experience as a social entrepreneur, Linda has worked for various non-government organisations, doing training and consulting. 

Having faced bullying and communication challenges in her first two jobs after graduating, Linda understands the profound impact that bullying can have on one's confidence and professional growth. This experience inspired her to empower others to communicate clearly and confidently. 

Linda believes communication skills are essential to professional success and is committed to helping people build the confidence they need to thrive in their careers.

How much?

R2,475 per person

Certificate

A digital certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

SIGN UP HERE: Professional communication for lawyers | UCT Law at Work