As senior lawyers, most of our professors have had their fair share of reading stacks of legal documents – from cases to contracts. You’d be surprised how much time they spend reading. But here’s the kicker—speed reading isn’t the norm in the legal profession. 

Let’s delve into why speed reading skills in lawyers are rare, and how some speed reading techniques can still be useful, provided they’re used correctly.

Why Speed Reading Skills in Lawyers Are Uncommon?

Speed reading skills in lawyers are not commonly taught or encouraged in law school. Why? Because legal materials are dense, complex, and often require deep comprehension. One of our law professors shared, “Reading fast won’t make you a good lawyer; understanding what you read will.” And he is right. You can’t skim through Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code or a Supreme Court judgement and expect to retain crucial details.

Legal professionals typically develop their own reading techniques. While speed reading might work well for light reading like novels or newspapers, legal texts are a different beast. Reading for legal professionals demands a thorough grasp of intricate details, logical structures, and precise language. 

Reading for legal professionals is different. Missing even a single word can alter the entire interpretation of a case or contract. So, while speed reading is an enviable skill in many fields, it’s not a priority in the legal world.

Essential Speed Reading Techniques for Lawyers

Now, this doesn’t mean that lawyers can’t benefit from speed reading techniques. It’s all about adapting these methods to suit our unique needs. Here are a few techniques that can be effective:

1. Use a Pacer (UP): Using a pacer like a pen, card, or even your finger can dramatically improve your reading speed. It keeps your eyes focused and reduces backtracking. This underrated technique is an excellent way to keep your reading pace steady without sacrificing comprehension. Many of us still use our mouse pointer to pace ourselves when reading on the computer screen.
2. Minimise Subvocalisation (MS): We all have that inner voice that reads every word aloud in our heads. It’s comforting but slow. Subvocalisation can be a real hindrance. Reducing this habit can significantly speed up your reading. Practise registering words visually rather than “hearing” them in your mind. Many of our law students have to work on this for over a month to get it right, but it’s worth the effort.
3. Skimming and Scanning (SS): These are classic speed reading techniques:
   1. Skimming involves looking for main ideas and skipping unnecessary details.
   2. Scanning means searching for specific information or keywords. 

When you know what you’re looking for, these methods can help you navigate through legal documents quickly. They’re particularly useful when you’re searching for a specific clause or case precedent.

4. Chunking (CH): Instead of reading word by word, try reading groups of words or phrases. This can help you process information faster. For example, instead of reading “the-party-of-the-first-part,” try processing it as one chunk. It’s a simple trick, but it can shave minutes off your reading time.
5. Active Reading (AR): Engage with the text by taking notes or highlighting key points. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about retaining what you read. We have noted that many of our best law students often jot down summaries in the margins when they read complex cases. It helps them stay focused and remember critical points.

The Caveat: Speed Reading Is Useless Without Comprehension

Here’s the thing—reading fast is useless if you can’t understand and retain what you’ve read. A lawyer’s job isn’t just to consume information quickly; it’s to apply it effectively. Speed reading skills in lawyers must be balanced with deep comprehension and analysis.

For instance, reading cases and books quickly may help you get through more material, but if you forget the details, it’s counterproductive. Our professors have noted that many first-year and even second-year BA LLB students make the mistake of breezing through documents, only to miss crucial points. 

It’s better to read at a comfortable pace, understanding each argument and counter-argument thoroughly. After all, in law, the devil is in the details.

Reading Techniques from “Limitless” by Jim Kwik

Jim Kwik’s book, Limitless, offers some practical advice on improving reading skills that can be adapted for legal professionals:

1. Preview and Review (PR): Before diving into a document, preview it to get an idea of its structure and main points. After reading, review your notes to solidify your understanding.
2. State-Dependent Learning (SDL): This means creating an environment conducive to learning. If you’re reading something complex, find a quiet space, minimise distractions, and even change your physical posture to stay alert and engaged.
3. Focused Bursts (FB): Instead of long, drawn-out reading sessions, work in short, intense bursts of 25-30 minutes followed by a brief break. This can keep your mind fresh and help you retain more information.

Real-World Applications for Legal Professionals

In practice, lawyers often juggle multiple documents and cases simultaneously. Developing efficient reading strategies is crucial. Here are some real-world tips:

1. Digital Tools: Use e-discovery tools like Case Logistix to organise and tag relevant documents. These tools can save you hours of manually searching through piles of paperwork.
2. Two-Screen Setup: If you’re working on a complex case, use two screens. One for the main document you’re drafting and another for research materials. This can help you cross-reference quickly and maintain the flow of your argument.
3. Print It Out: Reading long documents on screen can strain your eyes and reduce comprehension. Don’t hesitate to print out materials if it helps you concentrate better.

Final Thoughts: Find What Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to speed reading skills in lawyers. While speed reading techniques can be beneficial, they must be tailored to suit the unique demands of legal reading. Focus on developing a style that enhances your understanding and retention, rather than just increasing speed.

Reading for legal professionals is all about balance—between speed and comprehension, between skimming and deep reading. So, take the time to find your rhythm, and remember, the goal isn’t to read fast, but to read well. After all, as lawyers, it’s not how quickly we can read the law, but how deeply we can understand and apply it that truly matters.