This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Dalton A. Breshears, J.D.
Passing the bar is a huge achievement, but what comes next is just as important: figuring out where you actually belong in the legal world. A lot of new attorneys focus on chasing big salaries or prestige, but here’s something that gets overlooked way too often… your personality.
The legal field is incredibly broad. Some roles are high pressure and competitive, like litigation or criminal defense. If you’re naturally assertive, enjoy thinking on your feet, and don’t mind confrontation, you might thrive there. But if you’re more thoughtful, patient, and prefer working behind the scenes, you might feel more at home in transactional work, estate planning, or regulatory law.
There’s also a real need for emotionally intelligent lawyers, people who are compassionate, good listeners, and resilient, especially in areas like family law, immigration, and public interest work. These paths may not always come with the highest paychecks, but they can be deeply fulfilling.
Stats show that most new lawyers start out in litigation or corporate roles, but a surprising number, about a quarter, end up switching practice areas within just a few years. A lot of that has to do with burnout or realizing their job just doesn’t fit how they naturally think or work.
So it’s worth asking yourself: Do you like fast-paced environments, or more predictable workdays? Do you get energy from being around people, or do you prefer quieter, more independent work? Are you drawn to arguing and persuading, or would you rather solve problems and plan ahead?
Personality tests like Myers-Briggs or DISC can give you some food for thought, but the most important thing is being honest with yourself about what kind of work will actually make you want to show up every day.
At the end of the day, finding the right legal path isn’t about picking the most impressive job title, it’s about knowing who you are and where you’ll thrive. That self-awareness is one of the smartest, and most underrated, legal skills you can develop.
Created By: Dalton Breshears
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Dalton A. Breshears, J.D.