UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2022/2023
FIRST YEAR FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
LAWS
GPR 3115: COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR LAWYERS
DATE: JANUARY 25, 2023 TIME: 9:00AM-12:00NOON (VIRTUAL)
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE (1) and any other TWO (2) questions
Question One (1)
The bulk of the competent lawyer’s work is not carried out on the advocate’s feet on the day of the
hearing, but in the long days and nights beforehand, ensuring that all the law and procedure is understood,
all arguments are covered, all evidence is ready and techniques of persuasion are well practiced and at
hand.
a) Discuss the requirements for all oral communication, if it is to be effective. (10 marks).
b) Analyse measures that should be taken to overcome or address any barriers to effective oral
communication. (10 marks)
c) Demonstrate the implications of not addressing these barriers. (10 marks)
Question Two (2)
The COVID-19 pandemic shaped or reshaped diverse spheres of human life including communication.
For example, legal education, legal practice and court proceedings are already being undertaken through
online platforms.
Prepare a brief write-up discussing the Do’s and Don’t’s of communicating online effectively. (20
marks)
Question Three (3)
Good listening skills are crucial for effective legal communication. When clients are listened to, they feel
understood and are more trusting to you as a lawyer. To connect with your clients and others, and to have
them experience you as an effective lawyer, a lawyer must polish his /her listening skills.
Discuss what a lawyer should do to improve his/her listening skills. (20 marks)
Question Four (4)
“Life is a series of negotiations. Whether we realise it or not, we negotiate all day, every day. At work, it’s
contract terms, hiring, firing, defining deadlines, rallying the team, creating partnerships ……Simply put,
we’re always negotiating something...”. ANONYMOUS.
Using appropriate illustrations, analyze the strategies, styles and tactics employed in effective
negotiations (20 marks)
Question Five (5)
Successful law students possess many skills that enable them to excel. Some of the skills that lawyers
value include paying attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, work under pressure, and work with
minimal supervision. Perhaps the most important skill a lawyer requires from new recruits is excellent
communication. A lawyer must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, to avoid
miscommunication or bringing the legal professional to disrepute.
Discuss in detail how a lawyer can improve his/her legal writing. (20 marks)
