Sometimes referred to as “adventurers,” ISFPs are open-minded people who enjoy experiencing new adventures with a sense of optimism and warmth. So can ISFPs make great lawyers?
While ISFPs have some skills that make them suited to specific careers within the legal profession, such as being creative, passionate, and diligent, they lack the key characteristics that make great lawyers, like emotional intelligence and confidence.
Before we look at the personality traits of ISFPs to determine if they can make good lawyers; let’s first examine what personality traits make a good lawyer and then cross-reference them with the strengths and weaknesses of ISFPs:
What Personality Traits Make A Great Lawyer?
There are six personality traits that make good doctors:
- Lawyers must have excellent communication skills,
- Lawyers must be analytical,
- Lawyers must have excellent research skills,
- Lawyers must be persistent,
- Lawyers must be good listeners,
- Lawyers must be confident,
- Lawyers must be organized,
- Lawyers must have high emotional intelligence.
1. Lawyers Must Have Excellent Communication Skills
Because lawyers have to interact with their clients, other lawyers, and court staff daily, it is vital that lawyers have excellent communication skills to assist their clients and state their cases clearly to a judge/jury!
2. Lawyers Must Be Analytical
Lawyers need to be analytical and decisive when assisting their clients. The reason is that lawyers are expected to handle/read large quantities of legislation and documentation, where they need to distill their argument down to a critical point that is concise and understandable.
3. Lawyers Must Have Excellent Research Skills
Although lawyers are expected to think on their feet, preparing cases in advance and finding the solution to a client’s problem requires excellent research skills and a nuanced understanding of legislation and judicial precedent.
4. Lawyers Must Be Persistent
Often, lawyers must approach a problem from multiple angles over long periods before they are successful. Consequently, the best lawyers are persistent and persevere through challenges.
5. Lawyers Must Be Good Listeners
Although lawyers are expected to dominate spaces through their strong communication skills, they must also be good listeners. The reason is that lawyers can only construct a case for their clients if they listen closely to the facts and issues at play in a matter.
6. Lawyers Must Be Confident
Because lawyers often spend time in court presenting arguments to judges and juries while competing against other lawyers, good lawyers must remain confident in themselves and their opinions.
7. Lawyers Must Be Organized
Lawyers are expected to take on multiple cases for multiple clients at once, whereby each case has different requirements and deadlines that must be fulfilled. Consequently, lawyers must be organized and have good time management.
8. Lawyers Must Have High Emotional Intelligence
Finally, the law can be a stressful and emotionally taxing career. Thus lawyers should have empathy for their clients and high emotional intelligence, so they do not become stressed, overly invested, or frustrated.
What Are ISFP Strengths?
There are five strengths ISFPs typically possess:
- ISFPs are likable,
- ISFPs are empathetic,
- ISFPs are creative,
- ISFPs are passionate,
- ISFPs are curious.
1. ISFPs Are Likable
While introverted, ISFPs have good communication skills and an infectious passion for life. Consequently, they are very likable and find themselves making friends with ease. However, while communication skills are essential for lawyers, being likable is not.
2. ISFPs Are Empathetic
ISFPs are empathetic people that will go the extra mile to assist those in need. Provided an ISFP doesn’t become too emotionally invested, this is a good personality trait for lawyers that need to put themselves in their client’s shoes.
3. ISFPs Are Creative
ISFPs are known for being unique, creative, and artistic. Out of the box, thinking, and being able to think on your feet are essential skills for a lawyer.
4. ISFPs Are Passionate
ISFPs are passionate about life and their careers (provided they find themselves in a job that suits them.) Passionate lawyers are often persistent and enjoy the challenges of being an attorney or advocate.
5. ISFPs Are Curious
Finally, ISFPs are curious and enjoy learning new things. When this curiosity is channeled correctly, ISFPs can make excellent researchers.
What Are ISFP Weaknesses?
There are four weaknesses ISFPs typically possess:
- ISFPs are unpredictable,
- ISFPs are easily stressed,
- ISFPs are overly competitive,
- ISFPs have low self-esteem.
1. ISFPs Are Unpredictable
Because ISFPs are happy to explore different methods/ways of accomplishing their goals, they can be unpredictable. However, being unpredictable can work in a lawyer’s favor when looking to undermine/challenge the arguments of their opponents.
2. ISFPs Are Easily Stressed
ISFPs are prone to stress and can become uncomfortable/demotivated under challenging situations. Unfortunately, being a lawyer is a notoriously stressful career, meaning that ISFPs who cannot control their stress levels can prove to be a liability in a court of law!
3. ISFPs Are Overly Competitive
While ISFPs are passionate, this passion can extend to overly competitive and unsportsmanlike behavior. When ISFPs become excessively competitive, they risk becoming emotional and may find themselves acting unprofessionally!
4. ISFPs Have Low Self-Esteem
Finally, ISFPs thrive off positive reinforcement, meaning they seldom take constructive criticism well and can become uncomfortable when faced with conflict. Unfortunately, lacking self-confidence can be highly detrimental to a career in law.
Can ISFPs Become Great Lawyers?
Although some ISFPs may be suited to being lawyers in specific scenarios (such as being an in-house lawyer or not being involved in litigation/court work,) the majority of ISFPs are not suited to a career in legal practice.
Fortunately, they do have the passion and research skills for other areas in law, such as being a lecturer, researcher, paralegal, conveyancer, or a clerk of the court.
Can ISFPs Survive Law School?
Despite not being suited for a career as a lawyer, most passionate ISFPs should be able to complete law school without much difficulty and will likely find a fulfilling job in another sector of the legal profession.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ISFPs that are considering a career in law should look to other avenues of the legal profession instead of traditional paths such as being a practicing lawyer.
