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Is it hard for an introvert to become a well respected lawyer?

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Fiona’s Answer

Firstly, there are many many different areas of law and they are vastly different. International firms will normally specialise in corporate / finance matters, whilst smaller firms may specialise in commercial / family / property matters. I started off thinking I would be suited for litigious work, but after one summer at barrister chambers, I discovered it is definitely not something I am suited to. I then applied for international firms and discovered that Banking and Finance is my area. Transactional work is very different to litigious work generally. Although soft skills (negotiation, communicating with clients/business) is certainly required, but there are certainly no issues if you are a transactional lawyer but you are an introvert.
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N’s Answer

It may be challenging, but certainly not impossible.  One of my dearest friends in law school was very introverted.  She was so sweet, very quiet.  She is an excellent corporate lawyer.  Frequently people have an image of lawyers as aggressive or particularly outgoing.  People have different personalities and there are different lawyers.  Most extroverts who go to law school enjoy being litigators or practicing law inside the courtroom.  There is so much you can do with a law degree.  There is appellate work, where you would primarily be researching and writing briefs; corporate or transactional work; real estate law.  There's something else for you to consider.  Just because you're introverted in one area of your life doesn't mean you can't be an effective advocate.  I remember my first time in law school when I had to give an oral argument in front of the class.  I was so nervous that I just froze, and I mean I had nothing to say.  Fast forward and now I just love the sound of my voice.  I can argue a case anywhere.  In my case I just needed more practice and confidence.  In my friend's case, she had no desire to see a courtroom, she just enjoyed the law.   The bottom line is, there is room in the legal field for introverts and extroverts.  Best wishes 

N recommends the following next steps:

If you're nervous about speaking in front of others, consider taking a public speaking class or joining a group like ToastMasters to help you feel more confident
Do some research on other areas of the law where lawyers work in an office environment instead of a courtroom.
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