The Role of Empathy in Client-Lawyer Communication

Eve Tibererwa

Humanities Education Kampala International University Uganda

Email eve.tibererwa@kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Effective communication between lawyers and clients forms the bedrock of sound legal practice. Central to this dynamic is empathy the ability to understand and respond to a client’s emotions and perspectives. This paper examines the significance of empathy in fostering trust, cooperation, and transparency in lawyer-client relationships. Drawing from psychological and legal scholarship, the study delineates the types of empathy cognitive, emotional, and compassionate and their application in legal contexts. It highlights how empathy mitigates communication barriers caused by time constraints, professional detachment, and client mistrust. Practical strategies such as active listening, emotional intelligence, and perspective-taking are examined, alongside the challenges posed by virtual communication platforms. Case studies further demonstrate how empathetic practices enhance client satisfaction and case outcomes. Ultimately, this paper argues that empathy is not antithetical to legal professionalism but is essential to its humane and ethical practice.

Keywords: Empathy, Lawyer-client communication, Legal ethics, Cognitive empathy, Emotional intelligence, Active listening, Client trust.

CITE AS: Eve Tibererwa (2025). The Role of Empathy in Client-Lawyer Communication. IDOSR JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION AND ENGLISH 10(1):52-57. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JCE/101.5257.20250000