Attorneys’ Soft Skills: Effective Communication, Negotiation Tactics, and Time Management Strategies

Cari L. Sheehan | Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

With over 15 years of legal experience in civil litigation, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility, Cari serves as Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP’s Assistant General Counsel. In this role, she advises firm attorneys with respect to ethics compliance, risk prevention, and conflicts of interest. In addition, she assists in the review and negotiation of outside counsel guidelines, conflict waivers and engagement letters, and other items with ethical implications. In addition, she assists in providing ethical training and education within the firm to its attorneys and staff.

Cari is an Adjunct Professor at the IU Robert H. McKinney School where she teaches Professional Responsibility. She is also a former Assistant Clinical Professor of Business Law and Ethics at the Kelley School of Business. She is passionate about promoting ethical awareness, integrity, and professionalism in the legal and business fields and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in these domains.

Cari is a frequent presenter and author on ethics and professionalism in the legal industry. She is a reoccurring author with the Res Gestae regarding the Ethics Curbstone and has been quoted in publications for her knowledge on ethical topics. Cari is also an avid speaker having given over 200 seminars on ethics and professionalism for various local and national platforms. Her primary area of research is regarding the ethics of AI and how it affects the legal and business community.

I. Effective Communication: Enhancing verbal and written communication for persuasive advocacy and clear client interactions | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

II. Emotional Intelligence: Developing self-awareness and empathy to navigate complex legal and client matters | 3:10pm – 3:20pm

III. Negotiation Strategies: Practical approaches to achieving favorable outcomes in settlements, contracts, and disputes | 3:20pm – 3:30pm

IV. Time Management & Organization: Prioritizing caseloads and optimizing efficiency in legal practice | 3:30pm – 3:40pm

V. Client Relationship Management: Building trust, maintaining professionalism, and handling challenging clients | 3:40pm – 3:50pm

VI. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Analyzing complex cases, anticipating legal challenges, and making sound decisions | 3:50pm – 4:00pm

Break | 4:00pm – 4:10pm

VII. Adaptability & Resilience: Managing stress, handling unexpected legal developments, and staying flexible in evolving legal landscapes | 4:10pm – 4:25pm

VIII. Ethical Decision-Making: Upholding professional integrity and aligning with legal ethics, including the implications of Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(d), 8.4(g), and others | 4:25pm – 4:40pm