In the January issue of the ABA Journal, there is an article based on the recent book by Susan Cain called “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” The book, written by a former lawyer, discusses how society has become extroverted and introverts are underappreciated.
“Though the legal profession tends to attract introverts, both types can thrive in law.” According to a personality test give to more than 6,000 lawyers, 60% are introverts. While the traditional perception of an introvert is someone who is shy or anxious in social settings and an extrovert is the “life of the party,” that’s not necessarily true. The author focuses on how different personality types like to work or solve problems. Introverts are energized by focusing on a specific topic and “may be overwhelmed in stimulating environments.” Extroverts, which most people assume lawyers are, “love crowds because they get energized by interacting with people . . . and are relatively comfortable with conflict.” Law schools and law firms have become more open to these personality tests in hiring and placement of young lawyers.