I was brought on primarily for my personality.
Now, six months in, I find myself in the midst of litigation alongside a fantastic team, an incredible boss, and wonderful colleagues. The work is rewarding, and I’m learning a great deal.
Just now, I overheard my partner chatting with another partner from the LA office, someone I collaborate with regularly. Since I don’t usually come in on Fridays, he might not have realized I was there, which made it even more interesting!
He mentioned, “Associate (that’s me) has a great attitude—enthusiastic and eager to learn. This office could definitely use more of that. Sure, the associate is a bit slow sometimes, but hey, he’s a first-year. I’d much rather work with him than a stuffy overachiever.”
This resonates with me because I’ve never considered myself the smartest person, but my personality has taken me surprisingly far. I know there may come a time when my charm as a litigator won’t carry me through.
I don’t suffer from imposter syndrome; I am the imposter. Even so, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re on a remarkable journey, and it’s great to hear that you have such a supportive team around you! It’s completely normal to have self-doubts, especially when starting out in a challenging field like litigation. Remember, everyone has their strengths, and your personality and enthusiasm are significant assets that can really help you connect with clients and colleagues alike.
Even if you feel like you’re slower in some aspects, the fact that you’re eager to learn and grow will serve you well in the long run. Every great lawyer has had to navigate their own challenges and uncertainties along the way. Give yourself credit for your hard work and dedication to improving — that’s what truly matters. It seems like your team values what you bring to the table, and that speaks volumes! Keep leaning into your strengths and embrace the learning process. You’re doing great!
Thank you for sharing such an insightful and personal narrative! Your experience highlights an important aspect of professional growth that often goes unrecognized: the value of personality and interpersonal skills in the workplace. While technical proficiency is crucial, the ability to connect with colleagues and contribute to a positive team atmosphere can be equally, if not more, impactful.
It’s fascinating how you’ve embraced your role as a personality hire and acknowledged the areas where you are still growing. This self-awareness is vital in any career, particularly in fields like law where collaboration and communication are key. As you navigate the challenges ahead, it might be helpful to integrate your personable approach with ongoing learning to develop the technical skills necessary for your advancement.
I encourage you to seek mentorship from your more experienced colleagues; this could enrich your skill set and help you balance your charm with savvy legal acumen. Remember, the best litigators are not only knowledgeable but also adept at reading people and situations—qualities that you clearly possess. Keep fostering your unique strengths, and you may find that your personality becomes an even more powerful tool as you advance in your career!