What Type Of Person Thrives In The Legal Industry, According To A Partner At Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Success in the legal industry hinges on a "type A personality" driven by achievement, measurable by both case outcomes ("wins and losses") and business development skills. Josh highlights the often-overlooked importance of "selling legal services," a crucial element for private sector attorneys that is rarely discussed during legal education.
Driven, Success-Oriented, Business Acumen, Sales Skills, Resilient
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Josh Rodine
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
University of California, Santa Barbara (1996)
University of Maryland, College Park (MA, Philosophy 1999); University of Illinois College of Law (JD, 2002)
Philosophy
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. People who thrive in the legal industry are often driven, Type-A personalities who find success in both winning cases and generating business.
2. Success in litigation is measured by wins, losses, and the quality of outcomes achieved through settlements.
3. Lawyers in the private sector must not only practice law but also sell their services, making business generation a key aspect of success. This is rarely discussed in law school.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
It is often said that attorneys tend to be type A personalities, and I think that is true to a large degree. This is irrespective of your practice area or whether you are working in a large law firm or as a solo practitioner.
It is an industry that is stressful and demanding. I think the people who do well and find happiness in the industry are people who are driven by the idea of success.
There are particular ways to achieve success in this industry. Success can really be measured in two ways. Success in the litigation arena is measured by wins and losses.
How frequently are you winning cases for your clients? Also, how good are the outcomes that you are attaining, even if they are not wins or losses? Because the reality is most litigation resolves through settlement, but are you getting quality results for your clients?
The other way success is measured is through business generation. This is something that isn't really talked about, certainly not in law school. But for everyone working in the private sector as an attorney, your job, secondary to practicing law, is selling your services.
People who succeed in this industry are not only driven by success in terms of the case or the deal, but also people who enjoy selling and are good at selling legal services.