What Makes an Excellent Lawyer in Today’s Legal Landscape?

A young associate once asked a seasoned partner, “What does it take to be an excellent lawyer?” The partner smiled and responded with the famous Lord Denning quote:

“God forbid that a lawyer knows all the law, but a good lawyer is one who knows where to find the law.”

The response was met with a chuckle—not because it was wrong, but because in 2025, being a great lawyer demands much more.

The legal profession has evolved beyond just knowing the law. While legal expertise remains the foundation, the modern Nigerian lawyer must also be a business strategist, a problem-solver, and an industry expert to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Being an excellent lawyer is no longer just about legal knowledge—it’s about how well you can integrate law with business, strategy, and innovation.

5 Key Qualities of an Excellent Lawyer Today

1️⃣ Commercial Awareness – Beyond Legal Advice

An excellent lawyer doesn’t just interpret the law; they understand their clients’ businesses, industries, and challenges. Whether advising a startup, a multinational, or a government body, they ensure legal solutions align with business objectives and drive profitability.

Ask yourself: Do you deeply understand your clients’ industries, market trends, and business pain points? If not, it’s time to start.

2️⃣ Strategic Thinking – The Lawyer as a Business Partner

Today’s best lawyers don’t wait for problems to arise—they anticipate legal and business risks before they happen. They spot opportunities, craft proactive solutions, and add real value beyond legal compliance.

Ask yourself: Are you merely reacting to client issues, or are you helping them shape strategies for sustainable success?

3️⃣ Strong Negotiation & Deal-Making Skills

It’s no longer enough to just mitigate risks—an excellent lawyer also creates opportunities. Whether in dispute resolution, contract negotiation, or deal structuring, a top lawyer knows how to get the best possible outcome for their clients.

Ask yourself: Are you securing deals that protect and maximize your clients’ interests, or are you just closing agreements?

4️⃣ Relationship Building – Beyond One-Off Transactions

The best lawyers don’t just handle cases; they build long-term partnerships. Trust, credibility, and client satisfaction are key to success in Nigeria’s legal industry. An excellent lawyer prioritizes client relationships, networking, and stakeholder engagement.

Ask yourself: Are you nurturing relationships that bring repeat business, referrals, and long-term success?

5️⃣ Innovation & Adaptability – Leveraging Technology & New Legal Models

The legal industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Lawyers who fail to embrace legal tech, automation, and digital solutions will struggle to compete. The best lawyers use AI (such as Legalpedia AI Counsel),  digital case management, and data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and client service.

Ask yourself: Are you leveraging technology to work smarter, or are you still stuck in outdated legal processes?

The Business-Savvy Lawyer – The Future of Legal Practice

From the foregoing, an excellent lawyer is also a business-savvy lawyer—one who blends technical legal expertise with strategic, commercial, and innovative thinking.

They don’t just solve legal problems—they drive growth, protect interests, and create opportunities.

Do you consider yourself a business-savvy lawyer? What other qualities define an excellent lawyer in today’s market? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Luke I.

Business Growth Strategist.

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