as·sertive·ness n. : a form of behavior characterized by a confident declaration or affirmation of a statement without need of proof; this affirms the person’s rights or point of view without either aggressively threatening the rights of another (assuming a position of dominance) or submissively permitting another to ignore or deny one’s rights or point of view. (Source: Wikipedia.)
def·er·ence n.:condition of submitting to the espoused, legitimate influence of one’s superior or superiors. Deference implies a yielding or submitting to the judgment of a recognized superior out of respect or reverence. (Source: also, Wikipedia.)
Enter the first year associate. She dresses and acts the part, but her youthful physique gives away her novice. The only time she might pass for a lawyer with any experience is when she is writing emails.
