The Role of Emotions in a Logical World
Law is supposed to be logical. That’s the rule we’re taught. Evidence, statutes, procedure. But the truth? Emotions show up everywhere in legal work — and ignoring that is a mistake.
Judges have emotions. Clients bring trauma, fear, and stress. Juries react with their gut. Even lawyers themselves carry pressure, burnout, and bias. And yet, emotional intelligence — the skill of recognizing and responding to these emotions — is still undervalued in the profession.
Francis Pommett, a personal injury and appellate attorney with more than 25 years in the courtroom, once put it like this: “You can’t out-logic a jury’s emotion. But if you connect with them, you don’t need to.”
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and those of others. It includes:
- Self-awareness
- Self-regulation
- Empathy
- Motivation
- Social skills
This isn’t about being “touchy-feely.” It’s about control, timing, and communication. In law, that can mean the difference between persuasion and confusion.
Why Lawyers Miss It
Most law schools don’t teach EQ. The focus is on critical thinking, writing, and verbal argument. That makes sense — up to a point.
But the American Bar Association has acknowledged the gap. In a recent study, 61% of lawyers said emotional exhaustion hurt their work. And a 2022 Harvard study found lawyers with high emotional intelligence were more successful in negotiations and had better client outcomes.
So why is it still overlooked? Because it’s not measured on a bar exam. And many legal professionals still think showing emotion equals weakness.
Emotional Intelligence in the Courtroom
Reading the Jury
Juries aren’t machines. They respond to tone, body language, and emotion. A skilled lawyer watches every flinch, head tilt, and whispered note between jurors.
“I once had a medical expert give brilliant testimony,” said Francis Pommett, “but he was cold and robotic. The jury didn’t trust him. The next day, we brought in a nurse who told the same facts — with empathy. That changed the case.”
Connecting with Clients
In injury law, clients are often scared and confused. They’re in pain. They don’t know who to trust. If a lawyer only speaks in legal terms and ignores the emotional weight, the client feels dismissed.
Good lawyers know when to listen more than speak. They explain the process in plain language. They make the client feel like a human, not a file number.
Handling Judges and Opposing Counsel
Not every legal battle is about facts. Some are about tone and timing.
Emotional intelligence helps you know when to push and when to pause. It lets you stay calm under pressure. It gives you an edge in settlement talks, depositions, and high-stress hearings.
Where Emotional Intelligence Pays Off
Higher Client Satisfaction
Clients don’t just want results — they want to feel supported. Lawyers with strong EQ tend to get more referrals and better reviews.
A 2021 Clio Legal Trends Report found that 82% of clients said communication was the most important factor in choosing a lawyer. That’s not about skill — that’s about emotional connection.
Better Case Outcomes
Emotionally intelligent lawyers read the room. They adjust strategy based on nonverbal cues. They prepare clients better for testimony. All of this increases credibility and trust.
In personal injury law, that can boost damages. In family law, it can calm tense negotiations. In criminal defense, it can help sway a judge’s sentence.
Less Burnout
Law is one of the most stressful careers. High EQ helps lawyers manage stress, avoid emotional reactivity, and stay clear-headed.
It also helps teams work better. Firms with emotionally aware leadership have less turnover, stronger collaboration, and fewer workplace conflicts.
How to Build Emotional Intelligence as a Lawyer
Start with Self-Awareness
Keep a journal. Track your stress patterns. Notice how you respond under pressure. Learn what triggers you.
Practice Empathy
When listening to a client or colleague, stop planning your next sentence. Really hear them. Ask how they feel — not just what they want.
Role-Play with Your Team
Before trials or hearings, run scenarios. Don’t just focus on the facts — work on body language, tone, and handling unexpected emotion in the room.
Use Clear Language
Simplify complex terms. People feel smarter — and safer — when they understand what’s happening. It builds trust.
Take Feedback Seriously
Ask clients and colleagues how they felt about working with you. Not just the outcome — the experience.
Prioritize Mental Health
Lawyers are twice as likely to struggle with anxiety and depression. Make time for therapy, exercise, and breaks. Strong emotional intelligence starts with a regulated nervous system.
Emotional Intelligence Isn’t Optional Anymore
AI, automation, and case management tools are taking over routine legal tasks. But emotional intelligence? That’s human. And it’s becoming more valuable by the day.
As Francis Pommett says, “You can’t outsource empathy. Clients remember how you made them feel, long after they forget what you said in court.”
In today’s legal world, EQ isn’t a soft skill. It’s a superpower. It helps lawyers persuade, connect, and lead. It protects their own mental health. And it’s the one skill that will never be replaced by software.