Working at a Law Firm

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Hi all,

I have a really great opportunity, but I also have a problem (me).

Right now I am a 1L on the East Coast, and I recently secured an internship for the summer at an overseas office of a US based firm. Apparently, my interview went very well; however, my social shortcomings really dawned on me today.

I met with some fellow students for lunch who worked at the same office last year. They all had really great experiences and formed good friendships while interning. What troubles me is they all appeared so socially capable (I said very little the entire lunch and just tried to be very polite).

Life at a firm (and getting hired) seems to be based on forging relationships which is my greatest shortcoming. I'm kind of freaked out right now.

How do you Aspie lawyers navigate the legal world and what advice do you have? What is the most Aspie-friendly practice area? Tax?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I did an internship at a big City firm and I was fine. Most people in those places are very nice and welcoming. It is true that who you know is important in moving up, but it's not as hard as you think. You'll make a lot of friends and finish your internship with valuable business contacts.

I wish you the best of luck

Thanks for the words of comfort.

Everyone does seem very nice.

I wouldn't worry too much about whether you'll be social enough at your internship. I agree that people are generally very welcoming to summer interns. All you need to do is accept the lunch invitations, smile and say a few words, and you'll probably be remembered as a perfectly pleasant person. Combine that with some good hard work, and you'll be a success.

As for your legal career, it's true that you will need to forge at least a few strong relationships no matter where you end up working. I think finding the right setting is important. They say there are 3 kinds of law firm lawyers: finders, minders and grinders. Each role involves different types of relationships. If you love churning out the research and hate the idea of client cultivation and golf on Saturday mornings, then avoid a firm that wants all partners to be finders or minders and find one that has a place for grinders.

Also, it's vitally important to find yourself a mentor. I've managed to do this throughout my career even though I have a lot of trouble with social interactions. I've found that there's always someone who is happy to give advice -- you just need to ask. If it's someone you can do work for, all the better. Do good work for them and they'll go to bat for you.

As for practice areas, I don't think any particular one is "friendlier" for aspies. It really depends on where you work. That said, I think tax law is an awesone field for people who are very technical and like getting paid to do logic puzzles all day (yes, I'm a tax lawyer).

Good luck to you!

I don't think you did anything strange there to be honest. They all knew each other from before, so naturally they were more relaxed and at ease with each other. As the new kid, it's normal to be quiet at first. It'll become easier to chat once you get to know them

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Do autistic lawyers fit in with the legal system?

I am still just a student; however, my aspie traits seem to be strengths for the art of lawyering.

Doing logic games all day and always circling back to the same central position comes naturally.

All legal problems are puzzles at their core.

I always tell my friends to ask their bosses and peirs, 'what can I do to be a good mechanic, insurance saleman, teacher, et cetera...'

'what can I do to be a good tax or family lawyer' That way you've taken the initiative to show improvement and interest, and everyone can always improve. I agree with the mentor idea too and that question is a great way to find a mentor.

I'm NT and not a lawyer but I hope that helps.