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From logic to instinct - how decision-making styles shape law firm success
Modern Lawyer
Vol. 9 - Iss. 1 pp. 11–22
Apr 2025
In 1993, Dr Larry Richard introduced groundbreaking research on lawyers' personalities, offering an unprecedented look into the psychological traits that make lawyers distinct. Almost a decade later, in 2002, he published his renowned article emphasizing the challenges of managing lawyers as highly independent professionals. It was in this article that the now-famous "herding cats" metaphor gained traction, resonating with the industry and becoming a meme in legal circles. As I explored his work, I found myself asking, if we've come to understand lawyers' personalities, what can we uncover about how they make decisions? How do decision-making styles shape their careers, their approach to firm management, and their interactions with colleagues?