This week I was on a podcast talking about the importance of creating a strong network as you build your career and/or business.
When you’re a lawyer, especially one who’s ambitious, capable, and used to handling a lot, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to figure everything out on your own.
Whether you’re working towards partnership, building your own practice, or navigating a big career shift, there’s often a lot on your plate. And while you might be great at supporting your clients, colleagues, or team… how much real support do YOU have?
That’s where an exercise called the Circle of Support can be really useful.
What is a Circle of Support?
It’s a tool I often use with clients to help them step back and look at who and what is actually supporting them in their career—and what’s missing.
Think of it as a personal ecosystem that helps you not only function, but do REALLY well! Your Circle might include:
- Trusted peers you can speak openly with
- An assistant or systems that reduce admin overload
- Mentors, sponsors, or coaches who champion you
- Friends and family who get it (or at least listen!)
- Boundaries that protect your time and energy
Here’s how building your Circle of Support can make a real difference:
- You get time and headspace back
Whether it’s outsourcing, automating, or having someone to talk things through with, you’ll free up time and mental energy to focus on the things that really move the needle. - You make better, faster decisions
When you have people in your corner who understand what you’re working towards, you don’t have to second-guess everything. You’ve got sounding boards, not just your own internal critic. - You feel less alone
Even if you’re technically not working solo, the weight of responsibility can feel heavy. Having people around you who get it makes a huge difference—emotionally and practically. - You grow more sustainably
It’s much easier to take bold steps (whether that’s hiring, raising your fees, or turning work down) when you’re not doing it in a vacuum. A solid support circle helps you scale without sacrificing your wellbeing. - Your confidence grows
Having a strong support system helps quiet the doubts. You’re reminded that you’re not only capable—but also allowed to ask for help.
So, if you’re curious, here’s a simple way to get started- Grab a piece of paper and draw a circle with your name in the middle.
- Around it (like a spider diagram) add everyone and everything currently supporting you in your legal career or business.
- Ask yourself (and colour code if you like!)
- Where am I well-supported?
- Where do I feel vulnerable?
- What kind of support do I wish I had?
- Pick one area to improve or invest in over the next month—whether that’s delegating something, having a real conversation with someone, or finding an extra support person.
If this resonates, and you’d like to explore adding a coach into your own Circle of Support, I’d love to help.
