Tips for Getting Along with a Conscientious Attorney

The DISC profile highlights 4 major personality types that you’ll recognize in yourself and the people with whom you work. In another blog post I highlighted the personality of the Decisive attorney. The C in the profile stands for Conscientious. You’ll be able to spot the conscientious attorney because this personality is mirrored in most LNCs.

Characteristics of the Conscientious Attorney

People who are slow to act and more analytical are the “C” style. They want things to be right. They are not afraid to challenge standing assumptions. They’re precise, a little bit reserved, and questioning.

I think the majority of LNCs and many trial attorneys are C personalities. Read this description of the C personality and see if you agree:

conscientious, careful, accurate, detail-oriented, analytical, and systematic

The C personality uses plenty of research and information to back up decisions. The C person has very high standards for themselves and others. (Can you envision the C person evaluating compliance with the standard of care?)

The C personality will follow through and complete assignments with a thoroughness that other personalities respect. One of my clients who was not a “C” said to me one day, “Pat, if I had your ability to focus, I would rule the world.” He had the charisma of a friendly, outgoing person, but is affected by attention deficit disorder and short term memory issues.

The C person on a team will help ground them in reality by keeping the group realistic. (Can you hear the plaintiff attorney saying, “This case is a slam dunk” and the LNC saying, “There are several hurdles to overcome before you could say that”?)

There are many trial attorneys who are C personalities. They come to a deposition loaded with questions. They enjoy tracking down details, researching cases and writing briefs and they enjoy stability. They will make sure that we get things done right.

The C person takes pride in being accurate and is wounded by criticism. C people avoid conflict and will shut down rather than argue. A peaceful, organized, conflict-free environment is ideal for C people; they would be fine with working alone and do not need a lot of social interaction. You may find conscientious attorneys in other aspects of the law as well were there is less drama than there is in personal injury cases.

C people feel most productive when they know they are doing what is expected of them; they love technical tasks that require attention to detail and have ambitious standards for quality of their work. When you work with a conscientious attorney, pay attention to the details. Support your opinions; be systematic, logical, patient, and persistent. Be diplomatic if you must criticize the attorney’s opinions about a case. Avoid being confrontational.

The Over Critical Conscientious Personality

Be aware that the C people tend to be over-critical of others because they focus on every detail, making it easier to find the faults. This is a quality that is rewarded within the legal system, whose job it is to find fault. The C can get caught up in the details and may need to develop more people skills.

When you are a conscientious LNC working with a conscientious attorney, you should have a harmonious relationship. You’re both cut from the same cloth.

Get great insights about attorney personalities that will help you maintain strong relationships with your clients by ordering your copy of How to Create Lasting LNC-Client Relationships, my newest book, at this link. It is Book 10 in the How to Create a Successful LNC Practice Series.

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