Loading...
Summary: A law firm can be broken down into four main types of attorneys. Understanding these types will help attorneys excel in their career.
Read The Four Types of Attorneys: The Finder, Minder, Binder and Grinder to learn more.
No matter the law firm or the attorneys, there tends to be four main categories of attorneys within the firm. Attorneys may want to be in the category they fit or may find themselves in a category that they don’t enjoy. Harrison Barnes helps us understand what the four types of attorneys are so you can know how to be a part of the one that you enjoy.
Read Harrison Barnes Takes on the Tough Question of “What’s the Point?†to learn more.
Finder: Partner that brings in the business that keeps the firm busy. This type of attorney is harder to find because their job role is to go out and get the work for others to do, so they are highly sought after and valuable. Finders put in a lot of work to get business for the firm so law firms are constantly messing with their compensation, which causes them to bounce from firm to firm, looking for the best compensation.
Get JD Journal in Your Mail
Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!
Minder: Managing partner that creates the rules and procedures for everyone else in the firm to follow. This attorney can perform administrative duties well. They tend to gravitate to roles as managers. Minders typically don’t focus on bringing in work for the firm or even doing the work because their time is spent maintaining the health of the firm.
Read How Does Control and Energy Affect a Lawyer’s Career and Personal Life?
Binder: Partner with no business that excels in helping partners and associates relate to each other. This type of attorney has excellent interpersonal skills and can get along with a variety of people including clients and coworkers. Even if a binder does not bring in a lot of business, the firm values the role they fill.
Grinder: An associate with no business that works very hard. Grinders are hired to be who they are and that is why they tend to be young and somewhat inexperienced. Law firms want grinders of a quality brand, meaning associates that attended a great law school with top grades that are likely to stick around for a while. There isn’t much an attorney can do to get out of this category besides put in the time until they can move up.
See Confidence Is the Number One Trait to Be Successful for more information.
Once you figure out what kind of attorney you are or want to be, you will find better direction to your career. Just remember that every successful attorney will have to start out being a good grinder first.
Photo: robertdebry.com
