My boss suggested I write about two different kinds of attorneys out there -- the Extrovert attorney and the Introvert attorney. I loved the idea of "pigeonholing" attorneys into just two categories. I suspect it could start a very interesting conversation on this blog...so, we'll see.
I started by reading some background information about the psychiatrist, Carl Jung, who developed a model of personality types relating to extroversion and introversion. I reviewed some of my own psych and personality books from home, did some cruising on-line for extrovert and introvert information, read about the well-known Myers-Briggs personality test, and took some on-line personality tests just for fun.
Florence Littauer, in her book entitled "Personality Plus", nicely sums up the strengths of extroverts and introverts. So...let's see if you can find your attorney.
The Extrovert: Generally, these lawyers deal with people in an enthusiastic and energetic way. They like positions of attention; make quick decisions, need action, and demand strong control with authority.
They're goal-oriented, tend to see the whole picture, don't bother with the details, and seem to thrive on opposition. They are decisive and not easily discouraged.
The trial attorneys -- the litigators -- the prosecutors -- those lawyers tend to be extroverts.
I experienced first-hand an attorney who is a bonafide Extrovert (with a capital "E"). At a conference, I looked up from what I was doing, and saw him coming from a mile away. He walked with an air of confidence...as if he were saying, "You can't touch this!" He was The Hotshot. The whole nine yards - the suit, the shoes, the haircut -- as if he just stepped out of GQ Magazine. He had lawyer wannabes who followed him wherever he went (no, I'm not kidding). He is a well-known trial attorney. I've never seen anything like that up close and in person.
The Introvert: Generally, these lawyers deal with people in a way that encourages unity. They tend to be good negotiators and/or mediators. They are thoughtful, analytical, and purposeful. They love details. They tend to be tidy, neat, orderly, and pay attention to their surroundings.
They're sensitive to others they work with and are able to analyze problems that seem a little more difficult for others. They tend to be persistent, thorough, and they operate in a cool, calm, and collected way. They're pretty easy-going.
The family law attorneys -- the mediators -- the estate planners -- those lawyers tend to be introverts.
I know one of those too. She's cool, calm, and collected. She's a determined person in the courtroom. She's into details and she's meticulous in the way she handles her office, her professional staff, and her clients. She has a very powerful presence. She's a well-known family law attorney who doesn't have time for lawyer wannabes. Her reputation is one of getting things done for her clients. She takes time to listen to her clients, they pay her very well, and she's very successful at what she does.
So, how do you care and feed these two different kinds of attorneys?
Generally, the extroverts have the big picture in mind and they don't worry so much about the details. They love to interact and discuss your assignments. You're the detail person, so it's best to follow through on the assignment and present the final product to the attorney. Extrovert attorneys love to talk; they love their cell phones and their Blackberries. They don't mind interruptions and are easily distracted. They know they can't do it all, so working with an extrovert attorney can be a challenge for a support staff person. If you meet their challenges, they are very appreciative of their staff.
Your assignments from the introvert attorney might take a little longer to accomplish because they love those details -- but it's worth it in the end. They like a more "hands-on" approach. They know what they want before you do. They tell you the result they're looking for, but they like being part of the actual process of the task. They love rough drafts. They like to tweak things around. They are gracious in their manner and when you've made a mistake, they're mindful of the way they tell you. They are diplomatic but straight talkers. They usually answer all questions and take time to explain assignments. They would rather have all the wrinkles worked out before the project is done so there are no surprises. They're easy to work for and good-natured.
So, do you work for the Extrovert or the Introvert?
How about you? Are you an Extrovert or are you the Introvert?
Are you curious enough to find out? Here's a link for one of those personality tests -- you can even suggest your attorney take the test too!
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm
Are you on a budget? Who isn't? 