Entering the world of law as a junior lawyer can be a thrilling and challenging experience for us. However, it often comes with its own set of pressures and uncertainties that can trigger feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This phenomenon is commonly known as “Impostor Syndrome,” and it affects many professionals, including those in the legal field. In this article, I wanted to explore what Impostor Syndrome is, why it’s prevalent among junior solicitors in particular, and most importantly, how to cope with it effectively.
Impostor Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals, despite their accomplishments and qualifications, believe they are undeserving of their success and fear being exposed incompetent. This self-doubt can manifest in various ways, such as feeling like an outsider in your profession, believing that your achievements are solely due to luck, or constantly comparing yourself to your colleagues. Impostor Syndrome can be particularly prevalent among junior lawyers for several reasons.
- Perceived Competition: The legal industry is competitive, and junior lawyers often find themselves surrounded by highly talented peers. This can lead to comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
- High Expectations: Entering the legal profession comes with a set of high expectations, both from oneself and others. The pressure to excel and make a significant impact right from the beginning can be overwhelming.
- Lack of Experience: Junior lawyers may feel that they lack the experience and knowledge to handle complex cases, which can contribute to their sense of impostorism.
The first step in dealing with Impostor Syndrome is acknowledging that you are experiencing it. Understand that these feelings are common, especially when you are starting your career in such a demanding profession. By recognising and naming these feelings, you can begin to address them more effectively.
Seek support and mentorship
Don’t be afraid to reach out to colleagues, mentors, or supervisors for support and guidance. Often, talking about your feelings of inadequacy with someone you trust can help alleviate them. Senior colleagues can also provide valuable insights and share their own experiences with Impostor Syndrome.
Set realistic goals
Rather than striving for perfection, focus on setting achievable goals for yourself. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your successes along the way. This approach can help boost your confidence and remind you of your competence.
Document your achievements
Keep a record of your accomplishments and successes. This can include positive feedback from clients or colleagues, successful cases you’ve worked on, or any professional development milestones you’ve achieved. Reviewing these accomplishments can serve as a tangible reminder of your skills and capabilities.
Continuous learning
Recognise that learning is an ongoing process in the legal profession. Instead of seeing your lack of experience as a weakness, view it as an opportunity to grow and develop your skills. Invest in continuous learning and professional development to build your confidence and expertise over time.
Challenge negative thoughts
When you catch yourself thinking negatively about your abilities, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if there is any concrete evidence to support those feelings of inadequacy. Often, you’ll find that your fears are unfounded.
Embrace failure
Failure is a natural part of any profession, including law. Instead of viewing it as a reflection of your incompetence, see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Embracing failure can help you build resilience and confidence in the long run.
Impostor Syndrome is a common experience for junior lawyers in the UK, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, setting realistic goals, documenting your achievements, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity, you can effectively cope with Impostor Syndrome and continue to thrive in your legal career. Remember that self-doubt is a temporary hurdle on your path to success, and with time and experience, it can be overcome. You belong in the legal profession, and your skills and dedication will continue to grow as you gain more experience and confidence.
Sairah Hussain is a solicitor and executive committee member at the Junior Lawyers Division
