Apart from the obvious legal qualifications and a stellar academic record, lawyers must also have several core competencies and soft skills to make the cut in the legal industry. While some of these qualities may be inherent, a select few can be honed and developed over time. Check out this list of some popular skills a good lawyer must possess. Effective communication A good orator who is articulate and agile with words and expressions is likely to be an efficient lawyer. The role of a lawyer requires her/him to extensively engage in effective exchange of words both in writing and in person. A lawyer is required to not only advocate your case but also negotiate a settlement. Clarity of expression, comprehensive usage of succinct language, persuasive communication and being an observant listener are some of the skills that come in handy when presenting a case. Most of these skills are either innate or developed during studying law and participating in moot courts or engaging in discussions. Creativity In addition to being critical, logical and analytical, a successful lawyer also requires to have creativity in decoding a complex case. Creativity can be applied in the way one solves problems, works out a settlement, takes nuances into account while building a case and the like. Research skills This is predictably one of the key skills for being a good lawyer. Dealing with a bulk of information, teasing out the core and successfully applying the relevant matter to the specific case in hand is something lawyers are continually expected to do. Persuasion Since the very idea of advocacy is to be convincing and persuasive, a good lawyer must have a way with words that can convince others of a conclusion or influence your judge to pursue a course of action. Collaborative skills Apart from being a people's person, a lawyer is required to work efficiently in a multi-party setting. Lawyers who can collaborate with others can drive others to bring out the best in them while enhancing their own productivity. Meticulous approach A lawyer is required to possess a greater eye for detail and have excellent observation skills in addition to being sharp, alert and proactive. Due diligence in writing contracts and thorough research behind rationales are the prerequisites of a good lawyer. New skill sets for the modern era In addition to the commonly known skills mentioned above, a modern lawyer is also required to be well versed with additional competencies relevant in the 21st century. Some of these skills include emotional acumen, financial know how, technological affinity and the ability to manage projects.

The Toyota RAV4 offers stiff competition to its rivals in the same segment. The Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Sante Fe Sport, Jeep Compass, Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V are others we are comparing the Toyota RAV4 with, from the year 2016. The Toyota RAV4 is an efficient utility vehicle with updated safety systems, secure handling and lots of passenger space, while the Ford Escape is a quick and quiet SUV to drive, but ranks less on comfort and utility. Here is a list of some of the popular competitors of Toyota RAV4. Take a look and compare these to get your best bet.

• The Honda CR-V is functional, with its elevated height giving a good command of the road and enjoys lots of space and features, but has poor performance scores.
• The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, with a sliding second-row seat, is a good buy because it is bigger than other models listed here and with a long menu of standard features, together with optional packages offered moves it into a higher specification realm.
• The Mazda CX-5 is stylish and athletic with an exalted gas mileage and superior safety features, but the infotainment center is a major drawback.
• The Subaru Forester is good value for money with fantastic all-weather capacity and safety ratings and is a perfect utility vehicle with high ground clearance and a standard AWD.
• The Chevrolet Equinox is smaller, lighter and more popular than before and offers three fuel-efficient, four-cylinder engines, including a turbodiesel option, but with plenty of leg and headroom, what is lacking is cargo space.
• With its upscale interiors, the Volkswagen Tiguan stands for refined driving. It features an AWD, large and well-placed controls with solid driving dynamics, but is not suited for families who need space.
• Finally, the Jeep Compass has an appealing styling and is attractively priced, but its poor crash-test scores and unsophisticated ride quality are its negatives.

All these five seaters are priced between $20,000 and $26,500 approximately, with the Jeep Compass and the Volkswagen Tiguan at either end of the spectrum. The Toyota RAV4 is relatively a good buy of the lot. It is better to always every deal and then make a smart choice.

High blood pressure is one of the most common problems people face today. Several factors like age, weight and stress level lead to high blood pressure. What is blood pressure? Blood pressure (BP) refers to the pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. BP is usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). High blood pressure is called hypertension and low blood pressure is called hypotension. In the both the conditions, a person needs to consult a doctor for medication. Blood pressure is not same throughout the day, it keeps changing. It's the lowest while we are asleep and slowly gets high as we get active. Blood pressure levels A blood pressure that reads under 120/80 mmHg is considered to be optimal while readings over 120/80 mmHg and up to 139/89 mmHg are in the normal to high range. When high blood pressure is persistent, the risk of heart disease increases. As you grow old hypertension becomes more common. So keeping this in mind, a regular check-up is essential for sound health. Blood pressure can be measured at home or in clinics. First, it is important to be aware of how the chart of high blood pressure is read. It is important to understand what the numbers indicate so that we can take any further step accordingly. How to read the blood pressure level Blood pressure readings have two numbers, 120/80 mmHg. When you go through blood pressure readings, the top number is your systolic blood pressure. Systolic is the highest pressure when our heart beats and pumps blood to our body. While the bottom reading is your diastolic blood pressure. Diastolic is the lowest pressure when your heart relaxes between beats. While going through blood pressure chart, you need to find out your systolic blood pressure on the left side of the chart and read across your diastolic blood pressure on the bottom of the chart. The place where the two meet is the blood pressure. High blood pressure If your top number is 140 or more, or your bottom number is 90 or more then you have high blood pressure. You need to consult a doctor immediately. Even if your blood pressure reads more than 120 over 80 you need to lower it as it is slightly higher than a normal blood pressure. If your blood pressure is 140 over 90 (140/90) or higher over a period of time then you need to start with proper medications to control it. How to control high blood pressure High blood pressure can lead to heart diseases. Hence it is important to get the blood pressure levels under controls immediately. Firstly, consult a doctor and take the medication for it. Besides that, a few lifestyle changes should be made. If diagnosed with hypertension, the patient needs to take good care of them by maintaining a proper diet. It is important to get sufficient sleep and exercise as well.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects the brain and the nerves. It hinders motor function and mental ability. While it is not fatal, people suffering from Parkinson's disease will have a shortened life expectancy. Causes of Parkinson's disease The root cause behind the disease is due to the depletion of dopamine in the body. In people who are diagnosed with Parkinson's, the cells that produce this chemical start to die slowly. Dopamine is responsible for the proper movement of the body. However, the is no definite reason behind why dopamine levels drop. There are theories that suggest it could be a hereditary problem passed down from one generation to the other. Some other theories suggest that it is due to excessive exposure to pesticides. Statistics have also shown that men are 50% more likely affected by Parkinson's than women. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease The disease is identified by certain symptoms. They gradually progress over many years. The speed at which the disease progresses varies from person to person. There are medications that can slow the progress of the disease. These symptoms can even be unnoticeable at times. Here are a few symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

• Sudden Tremors
• Loss of balance
• Uncontrolled spasms
• Slowing of movement
• Dementia
• Loss of memory

Stages of Parkinson's disease The disease starts with mild symptoms and progresses to extreme conditions over five stages. These stages help identify the disease's life expectancy. Stage 1 The first stage has mild symptoms that affect only one side of the body. Stage 2 In the second stage, both the sides of the body is affected. It affects the posture and the gait of the person. Stage 3 The movements of the body slow down in this stage. The balance is also impaired. Stage 4 This is the stage where the symptoms become severe. The muscles become rigid making any movement difficult. At this stage, it becomes impossible for the person to look after themselves. Stage 5 This is the final stage of the disease where the person remains bedridden. They can only move around with the aid of a wheelchair. These five stages take anywhere from 15-20 years to manifest. Treatment for Parkinson's disease Although there is no cure for the disease, there are medications and treatments that can slow down the disease. This is done by using artificial means to supplement dopamine to the body. Treatment is not required in the first stage as the symptoms are almost unnoticeable and can be managed without any extra supplements. Once it starts escalating, treatment can slow the effects of the disease. Life expectancy The disease mostly affects people who are older that 60. However, in recent times there have been freak cases where patients as young as 30 were diagnosed with the symptoms. Early diagnosis is the key to increasing a person suffering from Parkinson's disease life expectancy. By keeping a check on a daily basis, treatment can be administered to delay the symptoms. The average age of death was found to be about 16 years after the onset of the symptoms. Hence it is best to get a complete medical check up if there are any noticeable symptoms.

Are you looking to order discount coffee mugs at wholesale prices? Do you also want them to be customized in a certain way? It can all feel like a daunting task. You are probably feeling a little stumped on how to pick the right company/brand, and on how to go about deciding between all the features. A great way to get discount coffee mugs is through the wholesale option. You can definitely make a large purchase of discount coffee mugs - or you could go to a wholesale outlet and buy a small number of mugs from the outlet itself. These discount coffee mugs retail from as little as 60 cents and go upwards of $1 to $3 per unit. But if you’re looking to buy a number of discount coffee mugs, then here’s a guide for you. Affordability This is definitely one of the most important considerations for you. This is also the primary reason that you are opting to buy mugs from wholesale, to begin with. When you pay for things such as custom coffee mugs at an outlet, you’re paying for more than the mug - the building, the staff, the sales team etc. With discount coffee mugs at wholesale stores, this isn’t an issue. Find a company in your local community or area that is run by a family, they will simply charge you the cost of production and a little above that for profit. Another option is to find wholesale directories online and browse through their prices. Quality Craftsmanship matters, and a lot more so in coffee mugs. Of course, quality is something you don’t want to compromise on to the point that the mug becomes borderline useless due to its fragility. This means it has to be usable in the microwave and dishwasher, while also being comfortable to hold and sturdily built. So how do you check the quality of the mug from any company? Look at their design process - the production steps that the mug goes through, post-production and how its handled by how many people. The number of quality checks it addresses also matters. How long the company has been doing business can also be a good indicator of their quality. Look and feel Of course, you still want your discount coffee mugs to look very good. Although this depends on the logo or customized design or image you provide, it also matters how the mug is shaped and how it sits in one’s hand. Color schemes too should be used in a way that makes the mug look attractive. Play up all of these features, since the company’s sole job is to give you the mug you like based on your specifications.  

A person excited about agriculture would understand the joy of seeing the first little bud or a blooming flower. The positive effects of gardening go beyond enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home - they work wonders on a person’s respiratory health. They are associated with mood enhancement and stress reduction. Gardening is a long-term activity demanding commitment and an understanding of each plant's requirements. Some common gardening mistakes that one must avoid are listed below. Using too much or too little mulch Mulch is essential for plants to obtain the required nutrients for healthy growth. However, adding too much or too little mulch can prevent the plant from thriving, as mulch contains nitrogen, and excessive nitrogen levels can harm plants. In contrast, adding too little mulch can deprive the plant of the required nutrition. Thus, gardeners should understand the amount of mulch plants need for healthy development. Treating all plants the same way A common mistake several gardeners make is to treat all their plants equally. One size doesn't fit all, even when it comes to plants. It is important to know the differences in each plant's requirements and cater to them accordingly. For example, some houseplants, like lucky bamboo, survive in dryer conditions and should not be watered every day, whereas others, like dwarf rose, must be watered daily to survive. Seasoned gardeners understand what every plant needs. Not considering the climatic conditions while choosing plants The growth and blossoming of plants depend mainly on the climatic conditions of an area. For example, poppies, European roses, and Alpine plants will not be able to survive in tropical climates, as they require cold climatic conditions to thrive. In contrast, other plants like okra, tomatoes, peppers, and basil require abundant sunlight and cannot sustain in cold conditions. Thus, gardeners must consider the climatic conditions of their area while deciding what plants to grow. Choosing the wrong spot to grow plants Some areas of a garden or balcony may not receive the same amount of sunlight as others. Choosing the wrong spot to grow plants can cause them to become weaker with time and eventually wither due to insufficient sunlight. So, it is imperative to designate a spot with adequate sunlight to ensure that plants remain healthy. Not removing the weeds frequently Weeds can take up space in the garden and compete with the plant for sunlight, water, and nutrients. With time, weeds may cause plants to grow weak and lack essential nutrients. Therefore, gardeners should remove weeds from time to time. One can set reminders for removing weeds if required. Avoiding crop rotation Crop rotation helps retain soil nutrients without needing synthetic fertilizers and other inputs. Therefore, it should be an essential process in gardens to enhance soil health and increase biodiversity. Not planting flowers that attract pollinators Pollination is an essential process for plants to produce fruits and seeds. Bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies are common pollinators attracted by plants like sunflowers, lavender, cuphea, and calendula. Gardens should include at least 2-3 plants that attract pollinators. Not leaving sufficient space between plants Growing plants in congested environments can hamper plant growth and prevent each plant from receiving adequate nutrients. It can also increase the susceptibility of plants to contracting diseases. Therefore, growing plants 18-24 inches apart in gardens is advisable to ensure the space is not congested. Placing plants too deeply into the soil When transferring plants from pots to the garden, it is important to plant them only as deep as they were rooted in the pot. If mulch must be added, it should be placed an inch above ground level. Planting them too deeply in the soil can cause them to weaken and die early. Pruning too early While pruning is an essential aspect of gardening, over-pruning or pruning before time may cause one to remove the buds off their branches. Consequently, there may be no flowers in the plant during spring; therefore, it is important to be patient and prune only during spring. Using too many chemical fertilizers Chemical fertilizers may help ward off pests and insects; however, they may destroy the plants over time and harm health if any part of such plants is eaten. Therefore, it is advisable to replace chemical fertilizers with organic ones and use fertilizers only if the plants require them. Working on wet soil According to experts, working on wet soil can destroy its structure, requiring long recovery periods. So, it is important to wait for the soil to dry a little and begin working it when it is moist but not too wet. Not harvesting ripe fruits, vegetables, and flowers It is best to harvest fruits, vegetables, and flowers on time when they are ripe and ready. Leaving them on the plant can cause them to wither or rot eventually and become food for birds and insects. Not experimenting with different gardening styles and plants Stepping out of their comfort zone can help gardeners understand the skill better, as each plant has specific gardening requirements. It can serve as an enriching learning experience for gardeners and help them master the skill of gardening "on the field."