Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: What Attorneys Need to Know

Imposter syndrome—defined as an unshakable feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that coalesces into an unfounded fear of being exposed as a fraud, often in professional settings—is incredibly common among lawyers. In fact, according to the Behavioral Science Research Institute, at least 70 percent of adults may experience “impostorism” at least once in their lives. That means you’re more likely to feel like an imposter than not.  

And it’s not something that only new employees or recent graduates experience: even popular and successful individuals suffer from imposter syndrome. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has admitted to feeling like a fraud and not fitting in. Famously, in a 2009 New York Times interview, Justice Sotomayor said, “I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit. I am always looking over my shoulder wondering if I measure up.”  

Overcoming self-doubt is possible. In so doing so, you’ll be able to improve how you practice law and, in turn, offer your clients with the best legal services possible. 

How Imposter Syndrome Got Its Name

According to the National Library of Medicine, “imposter syndrome is a commonly reported and experienced phenomenon that affects high-functioning, high-achieving individuals.” This behavioral health phenomenon can manifest as feelings of self-doubt relating to one’s intellect or accomplishments. Even if the outward success is clearly tangible, imposter syndrome can still be a debilitating issue.

The term “imposter syndrome” was first coined in 1978 by Suzanne Imes, Ph.D., and Pauline Rose Clance, Ph.D. Back then, it was first observed among successful women and “other marginalized groups.” While imposter syndrome may be prevalent among women and attorneys of color, it doesn’t mean it only affects those groups. Anyone can experience imposter syndrome at least once in their lives. 

Imposter Syndrome Can Negatively Impact Your Legal Career

While most cases of imposter syndrome are based on unfounded self-doubt, that inward sense of inadequacy can have very real repercussions for your career. Say you get a call to interview at your dream law firm. You might feel inadequate leading up to the interview, resulting in a poor performance so you don’t end up getting called back, even though you would’ve been a perfect fit. Or you might not even go to the interview because of the anxiety and self-doubt of being seen as an imposter.

Let’s say you ace the interview and get hired but when you start working, you begin to feel those crippling feelings of self-doubt. You feel like an imposter, even though you worked hard to get where you are. You’re constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for the day you get “found out” as a fraud.

This feeling can manifest as a lack of confidence which will be noticed by your clients, coworkers, and partners. Then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your superiors may see the shift in your demeanor and pull you away from cases or other work. Clients may not feel as confident or comfortable when working with you. You may eventually even get fired, all because that self-doubt grew and coalesced so much that it negatively affected your work. Sure, this example may be a bit dramatic, but if left unchecked, the negative ramifications of imposter syndrome can permeate your professional and personal lives.

It's OK to Feel like an Imposter at the Start of Your Legal Career

If you’re a first-year attorney (or you’ve only been practicing for a handful of years), you will feel like an imposter. Getting thrown into the legal world after gaining your license tends to have that effect on people. This is completely natural and everyone around you probably felt the same way when they began their careers. You may not feel comfortable working with clients just yet, but you need to “fake it till you make it,” for lack of a better term. You will eventually break through those feelings of inadequacy the longer you work and, before long, you’ll be able to face even the most daunting cases and issues with poise and professionalism.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Attorney

While imposter syndrome won’t go away on its own, it will hopefully fade into the background and become less debilitating over time. The good news is you can actively combat those feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. This is especially pertinent if imposter syndrome is impacting the way you practice law.  

Here are just a few ways to actively overcome imposter syndrome.

Find a Mentor

Mentorship is a necessary aspect of any successful legal career, especially early on. Whether you’re a law student, a newly inducted attorney, or you’ve been practicing for some time, finding a mentor can benefit you greatly.

Since mentors can provide real-world guidance, you can ask for advice and guidance on how to tackle imposter syndrome. Odds are your mentor had to deal with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when they began their legal careers!

You’ll be able to find the most success in your mentor-mentee relationship if your mentor works in the same legal specialty as you. Click here to learn more about the State Bar of Texas sections. There are also specific for African American lawyers and women. The Hispanic Issues Section and LGBT Law Section may also be of interest. New lawyers who have been licensed for two years or less may be able to join up to five sections for free. To do so, please download and fill out this application.

Build a Support System

While a mentor can greatly benefit you in your legal career, you can also tackle your imposter syndrome by building a strong support system of friends and peers who might be experiencing the same hardships. Joining the Texas Young Lawyers’ Association or the Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator can be a great way to meet other new attorneys. You can also meet with friends from law school or check in with them regularly to see how they’re doing.

If you’re experiencing imposter syndrome, odds are your colleagues are as well. By building support systems with each other, you can provide feedback or support. Show your appreciation and highlight accomplishments, so later on whenever someone feels inadequate, you can remind them of the hurdles they overcame in the past. Your friends, colleagues, and peers should also do the same for you. 

Don’t Forget What You’ve Accomplished

Whether you graduated top of your class or you struggled through law school, one thing is true: you worked hard to get where you are today. Everyone has accomplishments and achievements they can look back on. Even if you’re currently struggling to find your footing in the legal industry, remember you have the skills and abilities necessary to be licensed in the practice of law. It might sound cheesy but find some time to compile positive emails or letters you’ve received from professors or previous employers. Even recalling a quick thank you from a grateful client can be enough to stop the nagging feeling of self-doubt.

Rewire Your Brain

This may be difficult, but it is possible to rewire your way of thinking. As Martha McIntire Newman says in her State Bar of Texas blog post for solo/small firms, “Do You Suffer From Impostor Syndrome?”, it is possible to “silence your inner critic.” To do so, you need to rewire your brain with “evidence-based thoughts” which let you evaluate yourself realistically rather than emotionally. McIntire Newman says, “You literally can talk your way out of negative perspectives.”

So for example, if your negative thought sounds like this: “I’m not as good a lawyer as people think I am” you can counteract that thought with the following evidence-based retort: “I’m a great lawyer. My track record proves it.” This is much more than positive reinforcement; it’s actually using past successes to boost you up in the present. Click here to read the entirety of McIntire Newman’s excellent article on imposter syndrome.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is Possible

While this blog post may be more specifically geared towards new lawyers or recent law school graduates, the truth is imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate among age groups or experience levels. Hopefully the tips listed above can provide some guidance and assurance to those who are experiencing self-doubt, anxiety, or other forms of imposter syndrome. If you’re experiencing substantial issues relating to anxiety and/or stress, please reach out to the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program for confidential mental health help.

By being proactive and finding ways to overcome imposter syndrome, you’ll be able to take the way you practice law to the next level!