[TRANSCRIPT] How to Understand Your Personality Type and What Practice Area, Type of Firm, or Practice Setting You Should be Working in

This week's webinar is about DISC profiles. Essentially, it focuses on your personality type and the type of work you should be doing. This is a crucial webinar because understanding DISC profiles and how they work can significantly impact your career. Although it might seem like a dull topic, the idea behind any personality profile is that many people end up in the wrong professions or doing the wrong type of work because their jobs don't match their personality.

 
By determining your personality type and taking one of these tests, you can identify the kinds of work that suit you best. Many people enter the legal profession or go to law school because they think it will be financially rewarding. However, there are specific characteristics of attorneys and different practice areas that make them successful in their jobs. Understanding this can help you find roles within firms that match your personality as your career progresses. You may start in one practice area, law firm, in-house position, or government role, but if you find an employer that aligns with your profile and interests, you'll be better off in the long run.
 
It's essential to consider your personality when you start practicing law and as you move through your career. If you're unhappy, it often means that fundamental aspects of who you are aren't being utilized. If certain parts of your job don't make you happy, you should consider roles that align better with your natural traits. DISC profiles are intriguing and have been used effectively in hiring decisions and candidate evaluations in law firms.
 
Many people end up in the wrong practice areas or even the wrong profession because they don't understand what motivates them. Today, I'll give you an idea of how your profile may play out and suggest some free DISC profiles you can take online. These profiles can help you understand yourself better, including the types of people you work well with or should avoid working with.
 
My approach has often been tough love: shape up or ship out. But if your job doesn't align with your values, you can't be something you're not. Trying to be something you're not is a mistake. If your job isn't aligned with your values, it can be challenging.
 
Recently, I was mentored by a man who runs a $150 million company. Despite not being a lawyer or highly educated, he's incredibly successful because of the tools he uses to understand himself and others. He and other successful entrepreneurs use similar methods, which I've also applied in evaluating candidates. Attorneys fit into different types of law firms and practice settings depending on their personality traits. The right environment often determines your success.
 

---

 See Related Videos:

• Transform Your Legal Career: Harnessing Personality and Salesmanship
• Ask Yourself These Questions If You Are Not Getting Job Offers, or Not Getting the Job Offers You Want
• The Only Seven Reasons a Law Firm Will Ever Make You a Partner
• How Law Firms Choose to Interview and Hire Attorneys and Law Students: The Only Three Questions Law Firms Evaluate Applicants By

---

Many attorneys believe they should work in specific environments, which might be the worst choice for them. Law firms should consider these factors when hiring. A good recruiter can help you find the best environment, but you can also do much of this yourself. Recruiters often look at your background and suggest suitable environments, but they are not always wrong.
 
The DISC tool was developed by a psychologist and attorney, William Moulton Marston, who studied at Yale Law School. It examines traits like dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness. Different attorneys have different personality types, and understanding how you fit with these traits can help you determine where you should practice.
 
The first trait, dominance, is crucial for success in most large law firms. Dominant personalities are direct, decisive, driven, results-oriented, and task-focused. Many top attorneys possess these traits. They are demanding with themselves and others, driven to achieve, and thrive in competitive environments. Dominant personalities often pursue the best education and jobs, constantly competing and striving to stand out.
 
If you have a dominant personality, you may be well-suited to working in large law firms. However, not every attorney is dominant. Some may be smart and capable but not competitive enough for big law firms. They might find more fulfillment in academia, public service, or other less competitive environments.
 
Understanding your personality is crucial in determining your career path. Dominant personalities often seek out competitive environments, aiming to prove themselves and achieve high levels of success. They are driven by competition and the desire to be the best.
 
However, not everyone is suited for large law firms. Many attorneys who aren't dominant are smart and capable but find more fulfillment in less competitive settings. There's nothing wrong with that. It's essential to recognize your personality traits and find a career that aligns with them.
 
If you're in a job that doesn't match your personality, you'll likely be unhappy. Dominant personalities may find routine government jobs or other non-competitive environments unsatisfying. Instead, they thrive in roles where they can lead, compete, and achieve.
 
Another academia can be a bad place. Public interest can often be a bad place unless you're leading the public interest organization. Judicial can sometimes be a bad place because you're not competing with other judges, which could be a problem. But you're certainly in the center of attention. Small-town legal practice and most in-house positions aren't the best jobs for high-D people. They typically will get restless and want to do something else. Most dominant people want to be the center of attention, feel like they're accomplishing more than others, and want to make as much money as possible while being seen as successful and powerful compared to their peers. These positions just often don't allow for that. High-D people want to be around others who are very motivated, where they can talk about their accomplishments and feel pushed by others.
 
Typically, very good litigators are almost always high-dominant people. You can see it with their writing and talking in court. Most of the best ones are like that. The same applies to corporate attorneys who want to lead deals for competitive clients. They bring in entertainment, and they're competitive about who the clients are. The same goes for criminal law and family law. All these practice areas allow the attorney to be the center of attention, compete with others, and get a sense of winning and being the best. They also attract a lot of other very competitive attorneys, especially litigation and corporate.
 

---

 See Related Articles:

• How to Understand Your Personality Type and What Practice Area, Type of Firm, or Practice Setting You Should be Working in
• Transform Your Legal Career: Harnessing Personality and Salesmanship
• Your Interviewing Personality
• How Important is it to Know Your 'Self' Before the Job Market Knows You? 

---

Some of the worst practice areas for high-D people are often bankruptcy, insurance coverage, real estate, tax, patent law, and trusts and estates. These areas don't require a lot of confrontation with other people and are often very routine. The attorneys who practice them aren't necessarily as competitive with each other compared to areas like family law. Collaborative practice areas are often not the best for high-D personalities.
 
To summarize, the more dominant you are, the more suited you are probably to a big firm practice and related practice areas. If you're less dominant, you may still be suited to big firm practice but may prefer certain practice areas.
 
Someone who is an influencer has a desire to create their environment by influencing others. They're optimistic, persuasive, talkative, emotional, and social. They enjoy being around others and are not afraid to be the center of attention. They tend to be very positive in their environment and like when others approve of them. They don't like spending time alone because they need to influence others. They often seem disorganized but are always asking who will be at social events because they want to meet people.
 
The most suitable practice area for most influencers is litigation. They can express their ideas, talk, and be heard. They can get approval from others in court and negotiations. They enjoy going up against other attorneys in court, verbalizing their ideas, convincing clients, and then bragging about their achievements. These things excite them. However, this personality type isn't always the best for large law firms, which often look for soldiers to do the work rather than associates in the spotlight. High influencers sometimes will not survive in large law firms because they are too eager for praise and may leave even if they're good at their work if they don't get coddled over in their career. They might move for more courtroom experience or trial experience.
 
Most high influencers are unlikely to be happy in major law firms. They want to talk to people and will be unhappy if they're behind the scenes, like writing briefs and doing discovery. They need to be seen and will often choose roles where they can be the center of attention, even for less money. They're often constrained by large law firms, and the highest influencers don't do well inside them. They may be able to write good briefs but don't necessarily need to be the center of attention. Those who survive as litigators in large law firms aren't always the highest influencers; they're often more comfortable behind a desk.
 
Large corporations also prefer technicians or behind-the-scenes workers. Patent law, tax, trusts and estates, real estate, technology transactions, and some corporate laws are better suited for those who aren't necessarily influencers. Influencers need to talk to people and feel constrained if they can't.
 
Political office, public interest, many law firms, sales jobs, and some academic roles are good for influencers because they can talk to others and shape viewpoints. Influencers crave environments where they can communicate and influence others. They may not be happy as solo practitioners or in law firms that stifle creativity. Many corporate environments can also be bad because the attorney may feel faceless and nameless.
 

---

 See Related Q&A Videos:

• Navigating Attorney Interviews: Signs of a Good Fit, Stability, and Personal Growth
• What Characterizes a Minder
• Why Lack of Commitment Sets You Back the Most from Making Partner
• Knowing What You Want Helps You Find a Law Firm that Fits

---

High influencer attorneys want their ideas heard and need to be around people who will listen. Any practice area that doesn't allow them to verbalize and communicate closely with others will make them feel they're doing something wrong. Many influencers will leave firms if their ideas aren't taken seriously or if they don't have people to discuss them with. The best practice areas for influencers are litigation, some types of corporate work, entertainment law, criminal law, and family law. The worst practice areas are those where the attorney feels isolated or not connecting with others, like real estate, tax, patent, and finance.
 
Steadiness is about being steady and in a supportive role. A steady person is interested in cooperating with others to complete tasks, support others, and maintain stability. They're cooperative, collaborative, stable, consistent, loyal, and patient. They don't like change or confrontation and prefer following rules and helping others follow them. These traits are important for attorneys in large law firms who need to be accepted by the group, work with teams, and like consistency.
 
The steadiness personality applies to many lawyers who like supporting clients behind the scenes. The best lawyers take pride in helping others solve problems. Most middle-class professions, including law, value steadiness. Lawyers in large law firms usually value steadiness and being part of a group, going to good schools, and working for someone else for a steady paycheck.
 
Lawyers represent the needs of others, protecting them from issues and maintaining equilibrium. Many attorneys value steadiness and gravitate towards rules, helping clients follow them. If you're not naturally supportive, you may not be happy practicing law. Happy attorneys prioritize solving others' problems over their own needs. If you're not motivated by that, you won't be happy practicing law.
 
Over the past 50 years, law has become more corporate and depersonalized. Large law firms are often not supportive environments. Attorneys seeking steadiness may prefer in-house roles, smaller firms, or government roles where they can support one client and feel secure. Large law firms, with their high turnover and pressure, often don't provide the steadiness many attorneys seek.
 
The best practice areas for steady attorneys are those where they can work behind the scenes and support others, like transactional practice, tax, patent law, and trusts and estates. Litigation, criminal law, and family law put attorneys in conflict with others, which many steady attorneys don't enjoy. Understanding your personality type can help you find the right practice area and make your career more satisfying.
 
And then the final one you managed to cover is conscientious Nancy. This is really important for most attorneys. It’s something that many people take for granted but should come naturally. Conscientiousness means being careful, cautious, calculating, objective, systematic, and critical. If you’re conscientious, you want to produce work that’s criticized for being thorough and accurate. You challenge assumptions, search for answers, and demonstrate your expertise through your work.
 
New attorneys often don’t do accurate work, especially summer associates. They might not be very careful with their work, which is not a good trait for attorneys. Law firms expect their clients to receive high-quality, error-free work. Attorneys are often very proud of their work, and it’s often impossible to work in a major firm and be taken seriously unless you’re very conscientious. Conscientiousness is a quick way to distinguish yourself from others.
 
When I was litigating, the worst law firms produced work that wasn’t carefully thought out, where the law wasn’t cited properly, or had typos. The larger the client, the more conscientious you’re expected to be. Small firms and low-stakes matters often have poorer work products. Conscientiousness is crucial because conscientious attorneys produce well-reasoned legal conclusions and are more likely to win cases.
 
The best attorneys are extremely conscientious because they think things through carefully, take pride in their work, and naturally enjoy finding and correcting errors. It’s ingrained in them. They enjoy marking up papers, finding errors in contracts, documenting transactions, and conducting thorough research.
 
I was once told by a professor that I shouldn’t be an attorney because I wasn’t meticulous enough. Over time, I learned to be very detail-oriented, which is highly valued in large law firms. Attorneys who make errors can cause significant problems for their clients and risk malpractice suits.
 
The best attorneys are like chess players, calculating their moves and taking advantage of every opportunity. If you lack this trait, you’ll struggle in environments with high-quality standards. However, conscientiousness can be developed, and you need to take a passion for details.
 
In large law firms, conscientious attorneys are highly valued and often rewarded with better career opportunities. These attorneys often attend the best law schools and perform well in structured legal environments. Judges and clients reward well-reasoned work, which is why conscientiousness is essential.
 
Most attorneys in major law firms are very conscientious. If you’re not conscientious, you might be better suited for unstructured environments or smaller towns where the standards are different. Consumer-facing practice areas might be less demanding regarding conscientiousness compared to major law firms.
 
Some attorneys thrive in perfectionist environments where they can take the time to produce detailed work. These attorneys might specialize in areas like patent law, where precision is crucial. However, other practice areas, like consumer-facing bankruptcy or personal injury, might require quicker turnaround times.
 
I recommend taking personality tests to understand your strengths and find the right practice area for you. Knowing your strengths can help you avoid areas where you’re unlikely to succeed. I will now take questions. I hope there are many questions today. I will take a quick break and then answer questions about this topic or any career-related questions you have.
 
Please ask any questions you have because they are very helpful for others.
 
I often feel frustrated, angry, and jealous when I see others getting assignments that I feel should be mine. I feel my supervisor plays favorites, and other associates prefer working with them. None of my partners have addressed this issue. Here’s what I recommend: When you’re in an interview, don’t ask or say things that might make you seem problematic. Your goal is to get the next interview or the job offer. Avoid sour grapes and entitlement. Let your work speak for itself and avoid showing any problems.
 
Another question: My DISC assessment characterized me as extremely conscientious and steady. I practice corporate law in large firms. Is this a good fit for me? Yes, conscientiousness and steadiness are great traits for corporate law. You should continue to improve and stay in environments where your work is appreciated and praised.
 
Will this deck be available? Yes, all these texts are available through BCG, and you can find related webinars on our website.
 
Regarding finance positions, many types of finance roles involve putting together agreements for packaging leases, secured finance transactions, and other finance practice groups. You can find most of these on BCG.
 
As a lawyer who graduated from a lower-ranked school, can I still join a good law firm? Absolutely. Many attorneys from lower-ranked schools end up in top law firms by specializing in in-demand practice areas, doing excellent work, and building a good reputation.
 
Is a PhD in law a good idea at 30 if I want to continue as a lawyer? It might hinder your career because law practice is more practical than academic. Firms might prefer hands-on experience over academic qualifications.
 
Is corporate law a good career for women, considering gender bias? Yes, corporate law is a great career for women. Many firms are actively working to diversify their ranks and promote gender equality.
 
Should I pursue an LLM or join a good law firm? Joining a good law firm is often better as it provides practical experience that is highly valued in the legal profession.
 

---

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.