One of my preferred attorney-clients referred me to his partner, Jim, a guy who lacked any bedside manner whatsoever (he could have given lessons to neurosurgeons) and who, on first impression, could be as intimidating as a late-stage brain cancer diagnosis.
Over time, like a toenail fungal infection, Jim grew on me and eventually became one of my favorite attorneys. I came to respect his brilliance and passion for representing his clients. Before long I was accepting of his poor bedside manner and wasn’t the least intimidated in his presence (well maybe a little). He’s one of the best attorneys in Texas and while I like to think I made him a better attorney, he definitely made me a better consultant by challenging me on the legal nurse consultant jobs I’ve worked on with him.
Whether you’re exhibiting at a legal conference or meeting an attorney at a networking event, be careful of first impressions. It’s easy to reach erroneous conclusions about a person. If you’re dating, I get that first impressions are hard to overcome – but this is business, not a marriage proposal. Attorneys come in all shapes and sizes with different personalities and once you get to know them, you’ll find they’re just like you and me (well almost 🙂 ).
Never casually judge an attorney on first glance. He could turn out to be the most important attorney you’ll meet in the life of your legal nurse consulting business.
Success Is Yours!
P.S. Comment and share the worst first impression you’ve ever overcome.
