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I can speak a few languages. How helpful is that?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:12 pm
by GeesesAintTeethes
I can speak French, Chinese, Spanish, English, Khmer, and I'm currently learning Arabic.
Is this a valuable asset for an attorney? If so, in what way? If not, why not?
I'm not interested in practicing International Law.
Re: I can speak a few languages. How helpful is that?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:14 pm
by Leeroy Jenkins
Depends.
Re: I can speak a few languages. How helpful is that?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:00 pm
by GeesesAintTeethes
Re: I can speak a few languages. How helpful is that?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:04 pm
by Leeroy Jenkins
What kind of law you practice.
Re: I can speak a few languages. How helpful is that?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:06 pm
by Georgiana
Its a soft for admissions, might help you in the job search depending on where you want to work.
Re: I can speak a few languages. How helpful is that?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:23 pm
by Alexandria
If you have the grades to get a job at a firm (or public interest group) with international clients, then sure.
Re: I can speak a few languages. How helpful is that?
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:21 am
by YesICAN
How helpful being bilingual is depends on your intended practice area and also your level of fluency. If you're not interested in international law, knowing Chinese and Spanish will be helpful. These two languages (particularly Spanish) is sought by many general practice and small firms in most major metro areas as their clients often can communicate only using their native tongue. Immigration, workers' comp, tort, social security, medicare, estate planning, landlord/tenant, criminal, insurance, general litigation, and such areas are where knowing a commonly spoken language can be hugely beneficial. Also, in certain transactional settings, knowing a language can be helpful, even if to make small talk.