My last post concerned what actually makes an outstanding lawyer.  These were people who excel, not just at the law but everything it takes to be an excellent legal professional.  What I would like to do is highlight the difference between some "successful" lawyers and the ones that are truly great.  This difference is obvious when showing the properties that one has if you are not an outstanding attorney but one who appears successful compared to the amazing ones.  This proves that the the amount of money they earn and the reputation they may have does not indicate how well they are actually doing their jobs.

If, introspectively you see someone that is exhibiting some or all of these qualities then it is not too late for them to change, it is often said that acknowledging the problem is half the battle.

1. Inefficiency, the ability to send 3 letters when 1 will do.
2. Perseverance, will continually bill for more hours than could possibly have been worked 
3. Excellent Communication Skills, the only similarity with excellent lawyers
4. Lateral Thinking Skills, Will always find a lawsuit for clients wanting advice
5. Never delivers value for money, money is the the reason for practicing
6. Always Champions their own interests, ahead of their clients
7. The Duty to the Court and Society is a secondary consideration, unless remaining registered is taken into account
8. Disrepect, Only respects those with the same Moral Calibre as themselves
9. Is an Excellent Judge of Character, can see the customers who were born yesterday
10. Overconfident, refuses to ask for help and thinks they always know best 

Note that knowledge of the law is not one of these qualities.  I find it interesting that some professionals may be brilliant about what they know, and how they exploit the loopholes, but this is not what distances them from their amazing and outstanding colleagues.  The differences are around communication, the way that others are treated.  An amazing lawyer will use their skills to benefit their clients and society as a whole, in a completely professional way.  A lawyer that is rich, powerful but not outstanding will be one who serves only one interest, themselves.

Now you are aware of what makes an amazing lawyer, and what makes one appear successful but otherwise lacking, I will continue the theme of these posts by giving you some ideas about what to look for in a lawyer and how to choose one that suits you best.