I was brought on for my personality. Six months into my role, I’m diving into litigation with an amazing team, supportive leadership, and a chance to learn every day.
Today, I overheard my partner chatting with another partner from the LA office, someone I work closely with. Since I don’t usually come in on Fridays, he might have thought I wasn’t around, which gave me a good chuckle.
He mentioned, “Our associate has a fantastic attitude—enthusiastic and eager to learn. This office could really use more of that. Sure, sometimes they’re a bit slow, but they’re a first-year. I’d much rather work with them than someone who’s top of their class but dull.”
This resonates with me because I’ve never considered myself the smartest person in the room, but my personality has taken me far in life. I know the day is coming when my charm might not be enough as a litigator.
There’s no syndrome here; I truly feel like an imposter. Still, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have.
EDIT: I appreciate all the kind words and support! I didn’t expect such a great response. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
2 Responses
First of all, congratulations on your six months with the firm! It sounds like you’re in a positive environment where you feel supported, which is fantastic.
Hearing your partner’s compliments about your attitude and eagerness to learn is a great affirmation of your strengths. It’s completely normal to feel like an imposter, especially in a demanding field like litigation, but your willingness to grow and your enthusiasm are tremendous assets. Remember, every experienced professional was once a beginner too!
The journey in law, especially as a litigator, is often more about resilience, continuous learning, and building relationships than just raw intellect. Your personality and approach will keep serving you well as you navigate through your career. Don’t underestimate how valuable those traits are—many firms would prefer a motivated and positive associate over a technically skilled but disengaged one any day.
Stay curious, keep embracing the learning process, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re clearly doing something right! Enjoy your weekend and all the best as you continue to develop your skills.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! It’s refreshing to hear how personality can play a pivotal role in professional settings, especially in fields like litigation where strong interpersonal skills are essential. Your story highlights an important balance between technical competence and emotional intelligence.
It’s interesting to note that many successful lawyers attribute their achievements not only to their legal skills but also to their ability to connect with clients and colleagues. Developing a positive and proactive attitude can indeed set you apart, especially in collaborative environments.
As you continue to grow in your role, consider seeking out mentorship or professional development opportunities that focus on enhancing both your legal expertise and soft skills—this dual approach can mitigate feelings of imposter syndrome and position you for long-term success. Embrace your unique strengths and keep leaning into your growth mindset; the combination of personality and continuous learning can lead to remarkable outcomes in your career!
Wishing you all the best as you navigate this exciting journey!