Networking: Are You Afraid to Ask for Help?

Such an assumption is not universally applicable, and may in fact, be quite wrong. May be you are inhibited because you think people, who are not directly connected with the field of law, will not be able to help you. Or you may think that your friends from other walks of life will find it curious that you are asking them for help instead of asking your legal colleagues. Possibly, you may also be scared of losing your importance or dignity in the eyes of people, if you ask them for help. Let me assure you, it is only mental inhibition.

While it is true, that your legal colleagues and contacts in the field of law can provide faster and more accurate responses in your search for a new job or a new position, any person who likes and respects you can provide help, and it is not necessary for that person to be directly in the field of law practice. Very few human beings live in social vacuum for humans are social animals. Most people are parts of families and social groups and can find a job for you by leveraging their networks, if they are sincere and willing to help you. Don't underestimate anybody.


What you really need to do is to break out of your shell and share your problems with those you take to be your friends and well-wishers. Many of them may try, but end up without positive results. However, some can put you in touch with people who are far away from your everyday legal circle. And opportunities that are way better than you ever dreamt of, can open up.

Don't be hesitant to pick up the phone and contact people whom you trust. If you need a change in job or position, and you have made up your mind to make a try, the worse that you can do is a half-hearted attempt. It will ruin both your present and your future. If you have made up your mind to switch jobs then put your full effort behind your desire and do everything that is in your capacity to do. In most cases, we lose great opportunities because we find a ready opportunity and grab on to the first opening that comes along.

It is true, that under tight market conditions, any opportunity is too difficult to ignore, still both prudence and patience are the greatest virtues of lawyers or legal staff. You cannot afford to lose either prudence or patience when you need it most in your career. And, you cannot afford to ignore any opportunity, or any part of your social network when it comes to real networking. So, rewrite your resume, redraft your cover letter, get yourself composed, and pick up that phone and start networking. Remember, people who are not in the field of law are as much important as those who are.