Approaches to the Legal Counseling Potential Development Based on Buddhist Psychology of Lawyers

Abstract

This research aimed to 1. examine the problems, theoretical concepts, and Buddhist doctrines related to the development of legal counseling potential among lawyers, 2. study the components of counseling potential development based on Buddhist psychology among legal professionals, and 3. propose a model for developing legal counseling potential grounded in Buddhist psychology. The study employed a qualitative research design, collecting data from document analysis, in-depth interviews with 17 experts, and focus group discussions with 12 specialists. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, triangulation technique for validity checking, and logical matrix analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1. there are four major issues in legal counseling practice: (a) specialization focusing on broad rather than deep knowledge, (b) communication skills lacking deep listening and empathetic understanding toward clients, (c) pursuit of self-interest over justice, and (d) personal characteristics requiring honesty, responsibility, and compassion in alignment with the Seven Virtues of a Good Friend (Kalyāṇamitta Dhamma) and the virtue of empathy. 2. The study identified that integrating key Buddhist doctrines—Four Paths to Success (Iddhipāda 4) and Kalyāṇamitta Dhamma 7—with psychological theories such as McClelland’s Competency Theory and Rogers’ Person-Centered Counseling helps establish a foundation of morality, motivation, and psychological skills that enhance sensitivity to clients’ mental states. 3. The proposed model, titled “NP’s Buddhist-Psychological Ethical Counseling Model for Lawyers,” consists of seven domains and twenty variables integrating Buddhist psychology, psychology, and law. The model was found to be appropriate, comprehensive, and practical for enhancing the quality of legal counseling, fostering trust, and strengthening professional and social responsibility.