<p>there is a difference between being “outgoing” and being able speak up and present yourself and your opinions. there is a difference between being introspective and being shy about then articulating what your introspection has led you to conclude. there is a difference between being reluctant to network effectively and being too shy to effectively voice your position.</p>
<p>my views are not based on stereotypes due to media representation of lawyers – they are based on my personal experience as a former lawyer dealing with many other lawyers. being quiet and pensive is not the same as being shy – i knew many lawyers who were on the quiet side – but i can not think of any successful lawyer i knew who i would consider “shy.” and for clarification, the following definition from dictionary.com is what i am thinking of when someone says they are “shy” – </p>
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<p>to some extent the issue is what someone means when they say they are “shy” – if it includes a wish to escape notice or a lack of confidence in association with others, i don’t think that it bodes well for a legal career. if the mean they are just quiet and not gregarious, but they are confident and have no problem standing up for themselves and dealing with people when stating their opinions then i think a legal career may be fine.</p>