Article of Interest

Beyond Gregariousness: Introvert Attorneys Surviving in an Extrovert-Driven Legal Profession
By: Victor A. Flores

How do introvert attorneys balance competing against their extrovert counterparts and maintaining their authenticity as quiet and methodical legal advocates?

Susan Cain, in her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking (“Quiet”), proposes that introverts are not quiet, shy or antisocial; rather, they merely have a different way of engaging others in social settings. Thoroughly engaged by Quiet, I’ve summarized in part (and expanded in others) two key points presented by Susan and applied them specifically to our profession as tips for introvert attorneys.

1.  Public-speaking anxiety: Minimize unnecessary stimuli when possible.

“[E]xhortations to imagine the audience in the nude [don’t] help nervous speakers; naked lions are just as dangerous as elegantly dressed ones,” Susan Cain writes.  Introverts aren’t necessarily “afraid” of public speaking; rather, they are easily overwhelmed by overstimulation, which ignites their flight response. These biological responses are largely innate.

Still, public speaking is not limited to the Tony Robbins-types of the world.  Introverts can manage the anxiety often associated with public speaking by identifying those variables that can be controlled.

As a self-confessing introvert, here is a list of things I do to mitigate anxiety at public speaking events: (1) when possible, speak on topics that matter to you; (2) insist on advance notice for speaking events; (3) practice your speech; (4) abstain from “pumping yourself up” before your speech; your high-reactive temperament will do well on its own (avoid coffee or energy drinks and don’t listen to your gym-workout music playlist before speaking); (5) be proactive (arrive early, make sure that you aren’t hungry—eat a light meal/snack before—and use the restroom before); (6) carry a water bottle with you for the speech (for the occasional case of cotton-mouth); and (7) don’t make direct eye contact with the audience (if at all, look at their foreheads – it gives the perception of looking at them).

2.  Sometimes it helps to be a pretend extrovert.  There will always be time to be quiet later.

In our profession, not including the transactional field, most all attorneys are required to consult with clients, attend social-networking events, conduct continuing education presentations, and make board presentations (either internally with their firm or as legal counsel for various organizations).  For those introvert attorneys that “will” themselves into the extrovert arena, the guilt of selling out (being fake) is a common concern and burden.  Here, Susan Cain provides encouragement and relief by sharing that it’s acceptable to pretend being an extrovert so long as you stay true to your temperament. 

Among all of her recommendations, Susan highlights the importance of establishing “restorative niches,” a designated time or place where introverts can retreat to in order to recharge.  In scheduling my restorative niches throughout the workweek, I’ve found that I can accomplish more during intense social settings when I have a treat waiting for me at the end.  The last-minute invitation to an important networking dinner doesn’t seem as burdensome if I know that at the end week I can retreat to my back patio and finish reading the latest crime/thriller novel.  I agree with Susan: identify your restorative niche (golfing, hiking, reading, gardening, baking, etc.) and schedule a time in your week to recharge. Following this simple advice will increase your tolerance of socially demanding environments and reduce the guilt of being “fake.”  

In summary, by embracing our introspective temperament and incorporating some of the tips referred to here and in Susan’s book, the extrovert arena isn’t as intimidating. Avoiding this cloud of intimidation, we can concentrate on marketing our instinctive ability to be great listeners, precise and methodical planners, and creative legal advocates. There should be no doubts: introverts can rival their extrovert counterparts and have extremely successful careers. It may just take some additional planning — but, for us, planning is a natural strength.

Victor Flores is an assistant city attorney with the McAllen City Attorney's Office practicing in municipal law and civil litigation and serving on the State Bar of Texas Government Law Section Council, LeadershipSBOT, and Hidalgo County Bar Association Board of Directors.