It is infinitely worse in the legal game than in any other business because lawyers are trained to think they are god's chosen people,' says Fishburn Hedges director Sue Stapely. But such behaviour can do serious damage to a law firm by chipping away at the morale of other partners, assistants, and staff and thereby diminishing people's loyalty to the firm. The worst personality types fall into three loose categories, though some partners are hybrids. Piranhas are so aggressive that they hog associates and put their client's interests above those of the entire firm. Porcupines engage in prickly behaviour that other people find offensive.
Warthogs butt into other people's business, particularly where the firm's management is concerned.
Then they bully their assistants into working non-stop for them, and become outraged if the assistant has to spend time on another matter. Piranhas are quick to bare their teeth, but slow to praise. They give assistants very little training and snap at them when they ask questions. The Porcupine Porcupines are so prickly that others go out of their way to avoid talking to them. They are so insecure that you can't ask them a question without getting a retort.