Great lawyers have invested much time and effort in understanding people, building relationships, and in being great leaders. They have great communication skills (both written and verbal), a high level of intelligence, excellent analytical skills, and excellent advocacy skills. They have a passion for their particular specialty, a high level of commitment to their work and to their client, and are an expert in their field. They also understand their client's objectives, and advocate on that basis; not just on the basis of the law itself.