Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession

“I don’t belong.” “I’m not smart enough.” “Why did they hire me? I don’t know what I’m doing.” All legal professionals – from students through managing partners of multinational firms – are not immune from experiencing imposter syndrome. This sense of perceived fraudulence includes feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite one’s education, experience, and accomplishments. For a field filled with overachievers and perfectionists, experiencing chronic self-doubt or a feeling like an intellectual fraud is even more likely. Becoming overwhelmed as a result of the need for perfection eventually leads to burnout, a sense of hopelessness, or worse. But what about when attorneys find themselves in an environment where their peers fail to make room for them or imply that they don't deserve their success? Along with the more traditional factors, gender bias and institutionalized racism can also play a significant part in imposter feelings. Even if only perceived, they can surely reinforce the feeling of not belonging. This important webcast will discuss imposter syndrome in the legal profession, how our silence further enables the stresses of practicing law, and what we can all do to cope with and manage feelings of imposter syndrome. In this timely and compelling webcast, an experienced attorney who is also a certified drug and alcohol counselor will share his personal story of how feeling like an imposter started a decades-long effort to cope and conceal through the abuse of alcohol and drugs, eventually leading to suspension from practice. He’ll also: Help you better understand what imposter syndrome is and the impact it has on attorneys - Explore the ethical risks presented by imposter syndrome - Examine the roles that gender and racial bias play in creating imposter syndrome in the legal profession - Provide practical guidance for overcoming imposter syndrome - Discuss how you can support others and the resources available This webcast will benefit all lawyers and other legal professionals by providing education on imposter syndrome, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to seek help for yourself or others.