What Type Of Person Thrives In The Legal Industry, According To A Stanford Law Student
Isabel, a Stanford Law student, highlights the diverse nature of the legal field, stating there's "no one particular type of person who thrives." Success, however, hinges on key attributes: the ability to "take feedback," show initiative, demonstrate "meticulous" attention to detail, and be "authentic" to build client relationships.
Feedback Receptive, Initiative-Taking, Detail-Oriented, Authenticity, Humility
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Isabel Mendiola
Law Student
Stanford Law School
Claremont McKenna College 2018
Stanford Law School (JD Forthcoming)
Psychology
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Being able to take feedback and having the humility to learn from mistakes is crucial for success in the legal industry.
2. Taking initiative and being proactive are important qualities for young lawyers.
3. Meticulousness and attention to detail are essential, particularly in litigation, to build credibility and stand out from other lawyers. Authenticity is also valuable for building client relationships.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
I think that's another thing I really love about this industry. You can see it if you look at my classmates; I don't think there's one particular type of person who thrives. This is because the industry has so many different types of roles within the legal field.
I think being able to take feedback is really important, especially as a young lawyer. You're learning a new language and a new type of writing. Unless you're a paralegal, you probably don't have a ton of experience with it.
I think having confidence in your work is key, but also the humility to acknowledge mistakes. When your supervisor tells you something needs to be fixed, you need to be able to do that. Taking initiative is also really important.
I also think being meticulous or detail-oriented is crucial, especially if you're in litigation. This shows credibility and gives you an edge over other lawyers. Even your citations are taken seriously, especially in your writing.
The good news is that being detail-oriented is something everyone can learn. I think just being authentic is also important. Law firms are looking for different types of people to form relationships with clients, and the best way to connect with clients is by being your authentic self.