As the managing attorney of a busy law firm it is always a relief when others in the firm are able to apply their good judgment to connect with a client and resolve their needs.
The ability to accurately read others is an instinct not taught in law school, but in my experience is a characteristic that proves to be one of the most beneficial qualities an attorney can possess. Certain people only feel comfortable once they know all the details, certain people only want to hear the big picture, certain people need to be steadied and calmed, and certain people are demanding and direct. Attorneys who are able to read this in others are not only significantly more successful in their interactions with clients, but are also able to negotiate better resolutions with opposing counsel, and diffuse situations by understanding and empathizing with a specific individual's needs and expectations.
There is no time for babysitting in a busy law firm. Thus, it is imperative that our attorneys have a great deal of confidence in themselves and are able to carry themselves professionally and choose their words and advice wisely no matter the subject matter or temperament that a client may throw at them. In my opinion, the most important trait any successful attorney needs to develop is the ability to connect and relate to others. Whether you want to be a solo practitioner or part of a 100-person law firm, the most valuable quality we look for in any new attorney hire is an individual who can be placed alone in front of any client and instill a high level of confidence in our firm and the quality of representation we provide.
