Being the Lawyer People Expect to Meet
When meeting someone for the first time we have nanoseconds before we are judged and cataloged. We either fit his/her expectations and have an opportunity to continue toward a relationship, or we did not fit... and the relationship has already failed.
Attorneys face a double whammy! First, a lawyer is judged as a person and in that same nanosecond, judged and cataloged as a lawyer.
Most attorneys I've ever known are incredible people and in most cases will pass the first test with flying colors. Unfortunately, many I know do not pass the second -- the reason will surprise you.
Growing up in a media age your clients and prospects eat a continual diet of images and personalities via television, media outlets and movies that leaves an imprint of whom a lawyer is, performs and acts. It's a stereotype. Whether you project the stereotype, or not, will impact first impressions -- the nanosecond before judgment.
In general, everyone who is not a lawyer expects you (the lawyer) to act like a lawyer. What that looks like is this:
- Composed
- Eloquent
- Serious
- In control
- Successfully attired (fitting to the occasion)
- Appropriately opinionated
- Poised
- Aggressive
- Smart
- Successful
None of this whole stereotyping stuff is fair, but it's real and everyday. If you wish to succeed as a lawyer I encourage you to act like one!
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1 comments:
I'm a big believer in the power of first impressions.
When it comes to attorneys, how they appear In Person is becoming less important in relation to how they appear In Print (which can be seen by so many more).
This article discusses law firm proposals, and first impressions.
The Beauty of the Proposal
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