Will an introvert have problems in biglaw? Forum

[PDX4343]

So, I consider myself an introvert. However, I wouldn't say that I'm socially awkward, incapable of building relationships, or anything like that. I can "turn it on" when I need to, but I'm usually more on the quiet side and tend to hang out in the background of group conversations - listening until I have something that I need to say. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience either struggling in law school or in a legal workplace because they are a quiet person?

I'm particularly interested in how being a quiet person would affect your ability to get a job in Biglaw and your ability to excel in that job.

[Theopliske8711]

Being an introvert will mean negative things in the professional world in general, not just bibles. Use your time in law school to brush up on socialization skills during receptions and social events.

[ph14]

You will be fine. Biglaw is a job with plenty of introverts in it.

[PDX4343]

Being an introvert will mean negative things in the professional world in general, not just bibles. Use your time in law school to brush up on socialization skills during receptions and social events.

Thanks that's a good idea. What would you say the negatives would be?

[Theopliske8711]

Being an introvert will mean negative things in the professional world in general, not just bibles. Use your time in law school to brush up on socialization skills during receptions and social events.

Thanks that's a good idea. What would you say the negatives would be?

Well, being sociable is important for interviewing, for instance. Also, advancement in the professional sphere revolves heavily around socialization. The connections you develop can have a long-lasting impact. Being the introvert means being the guy nobody notices, or worse, the weird dude. I mean, if there is a takeaway from TLS, it's that law school people can be weird, so you are far from alone in that regard.

[SFrost]

Introvert is not a social disorder. It means you don't derive much or any satisfaction from certain social interactions but it doesn't mean you can't learn.

If you want to maximize your career potential you will need to learn how to network and make connections. If you can't do that it's not because you're an introvert. You would be best served by identifying the disorder and exploring potential treatments or therapies.

[PDX4343]

Ahhh I see. Yeah I'm sort of in the same boat with you on social anxiety actually. Sucks man.

[shock259]

Introvert is really too vague of a term. If you are awkward, don't talk to anyone, and don't cultivate relationships, you will have problems. But there are plenty of introverts who aren't like that, and there are plenty of introverts in biglaw. Depends what kind you are, I suppose.

[PDX4343]

Thanks for responding everyone. It's sounding like the consensus is that it's just another skill that I'm going to have to work on during law school if I want to get the most out of my degree.

[Lwoods]

Being social is an important element of landing a job--interviewing, networking, and forming connections during SA. It will also be important down the line for client development. The fact that you can "turn it on" is really all you need, though. As far as the work goes, being an introvert will probably be an advantage if anything as law is less group-based than business. Introverts are also supposedly better at law school, but it's probably just a negligible advantage averaged out.

I haven't read this book yet, but I've heard really good things about it. You may find it interesting.

[PDX4343]

Being social is an important element of landing a job--interviewing, networking, and forming connections during SA. It will also be important down the line for client development. The fact that you can "turn it on" is really all you need, though. As far as the work goes, being an introvert will probably be an advantage if anything as law is less group-based than business. Introverts are also supposedly better at law school, but it's probably just a negligible advantage averaged out.

I haven't read this book yet, but I've heard really good things about it. You may find it interesting.

I've come across that book a few times, haven't gotten a chance to read it yet but it looks well-done.

[cookiejar1]

As long as you don't give off a murder-y vibe, I'm sure you'll be fine. There are many introverts in law school and the vast majority of students / professionals / especially professors are generally pretty socially awkward. Be glad that you're going into the legal industry as opposed to, say, public relations or marketing. You definitely don't need politician-level charisma to do well in law school / land a job.

[PDX4343]

As long as you don't give off a murder-y vibe, I'm sure you'll be fine. There are many introverts in law school and the vast majority of students / professionals / especially professors are generally pretty socially awkward. Be glad that you're going into the legal industry as opposed to, say, public relations or marketing. You definitely don't need politician-level charisma to do well in law school / land a job.

hope I don't give off a "murder-y" vibe!

[BanjoCalhoun]

0L here, but in my own professional and school experience, being moderately introverted can actually be a social advantage in some ways. Introverts tend to ask questions and give the impression of being better listeners, as opposed to going on about themselves. Introverts tend to give more tactful and succinct answers, which means fewer awkward gaffs unlike those who tend to drone on. I think being either extremely introverted or extremely extraverted is a liability. Either can make people think there's something wrong with you. It seems that 'don't let it get to the point where people think you're crazy' is TCR in either case.

[Pneumonia]

Quiet is a really good book. Pretty sure the author went to HLS. Recommended.

[PDX4343]

Broke down and bought Quiet for my kindle and reading now. Definitely impressed so far!