u/Diligent-Role8914

Boss says there are concerns that I am “too sweet.” Unsure how to change this false image & be taken seriously.

Female 25. I am a law clerk and a 3L. My boss recently asked me if I get paid fairly and asked me make a pitch for a raise. The pitch happened recently which did not go great. I don’t want to go into all the details, but during that discussion he stated that there have been concerns with the other attorneys that I am “too sweet” and concerns that I would not be able to advocate for my client. I do transactional work and I have never really interacted with clients. I mostly do drafting and research. He said I probably have heard that many times in my life, which actually is the opposite of true. Out of work I’m very blunt and outgoing. At work I feel like I am quieter and focus on my job because I’m the youngest by far and can’t relate to any of them. I don’t think I’ve been put in the position to have to stand up for myself or a potion where I would need to be assertive. Most the time I talk to the attorneys it’s either for directions to do an assignment or reviewing my work which I appreciate getting feedback back because I want to get better. I want to make it clear I am not quiet at work. I always talk to them and ask questions. I just am not the most talkative person because I don’t have anything to say. I always take feedback very well and thank them for their time and critic. I tell them I want to get better. I don’t know what to do to remove this perspective off of me. I’ve never been called that before and everyone I talk to is shocked that they said that. I need to work on my confidence but the material is still very new to me and I am trying to learn so I let the attorneys teach me. I always dress business casual (no one else dresses super nice) but I thought about stopp wearing my colorful sweaters. I know that might seem dumb but I think that isn’t helping the so sweet narrative. I need advice on how to be taken more seriously as a young law clerk. I really like this job and I want them to hire me full time. I just don’t know how to improve this.