DEVELOPING COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE AND LEGAL COMMUNICATION CULTURE IN CONTEMPORARY LEGAL PRACTICE

Abstract. This article examines communicative competence as a core element of effective, ethical and client-centred legal practice. The research problem is defined as the gap between doctrinal legal knowledge and the ability to translate law into clear, persuasive, culturally sensitive and conflict-reducing professional communication. Using doctrinal legal analysis, comparative analysis, competency modelling and qualitative content analysis, the study reviews national and international approaches to digital legal professionalism. The scientific novelty lies in an integrated model combining legal language precision, active listening, argumentation, negotiation, empathy, procedural rhetoric and digital communication etiquette. The main result is a competency-based framework for assessing legal communication across client counselling, negotiation, courtroom advocacy and digital interaction. The findings show that legal education and professional development should evaluate not merely the use of technology, but also source verification, explanation, ethical judgement, confidentiality and human accountability. The proposed framework can support curriculum reform, continuing legal education and institutional standards for responsible technology-assisted legal practice.