The legal field is high-pressure. Even the most accomplished or experienced attorneys may question their abilities in the face of high expectations, quick deadlines, and high-stakes case work. Over time, however, imposter phenomenon can hold you back from opportunities, decrease your confidence, and lead to burnout.

This toolkit offers strategies to help you recognize imposter phenomenon, manage self-doubt, and build confidence.

ISBA created this page to address specific pain points identified by members. If you have a topic you’d like to see covered or an additional resource to add, let us know »

A note on imposter syndrome vs. imposter phenomenon: Both phrases are used. However "imposter phenomenon" is becoming more common as it reflects the language used by the original researchers who noticed it, and "syndrome" can imply a medical condition that is stigmatizing.

CLE

• Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome | 1.0 hr. NLS, on-demand
• Feeling Like an Imposter | 1.0 hr. CLE, on-demand

Articles

• "Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession: Identifying It, Why It May Disproportionately Affect Lawyers, and Overcoming It" by Bradley Thomas and Christina Thomas, Res Gestae
• "Imposter Syndrome—The Silent Career Killer" by Helen Pamely, New Law Journal
• "Do You Suffer from Impostor Syndrome? If You Do, You Are Not Alone" by Martha McIntire Newman, State Bar of Texas
• "Imposter Syndrome? 8 Tactics to Combat the Anxiety," American Bar Association
• "A Guide to Impostor Syndrome—And Overcoming It," Mass General Brigham 
• "Is Impostor Syndrome Holding You Back From Living Your Best Life?" by Arlin Cuncic, MA, VeryWell Mind
• "Why Everyone Feels Like They're Faking It" by Leslie Jamison, The New Yorker
• "Yes, Imposter Syndrome Is Real. Here's How to Deal With It" by Abigail Abrams, Time
• "Exposing Imposter Syndrome by Telling Better Stories" by Michael Tooley, Upstream Principles
• "Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome" by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey
• "Here’s Why We Must Stop Telling Black Women They Have ‘Imposter Syndrome’" by Janell Hazelwood, MAOL
• "End Imposter Syndrome in Your Workplace" by Ruchika T. Malhotra and Jodi-Ann Burey
• "Imposter Syndrome Isn’t a Personal Flaw. It’s a Systemic Issue" by Shari Dunn
• "It's Time to Reconceptualize What 'Imposter Syndrome' Means for People of Color" by Kevin Cokley

Books

• The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
• Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life by Lisa Orbé-Austin and Richard Orbé-Austin
• The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men: Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It by Valerie Young

Multi-Media

• [Video] The Imposter Within: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Linda McGrath-Cruz | 1 hour
• [Video] What Is Imposter Syndrome and How Can You Combat It by Elizabeth Cox | 4 minutes
  
• [Video] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Black Woman in Law: An Interview of Erin Young, Esq. by Cherie O'Reilly, Esq. | 17 minutes
  
• [Video] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Self-Doubt, Confidence, and Authenticity, Being Well Podcast | 57 minutes
• [Podcast] Jodi-Ann Burey and Ruchika T. Malhotra on Imposter Syndrome, Dare to Lead with Brené Brown | 1 hour, 15 minutes
• [Podcast] The Best Way to Combat Imposter Syndrome, The VeryWell Mind Podcast | 9 minutes
• [Infographic] Are You Suffering from Imposter Syndrome? by Nick Routley

Worksheets and Toolkits

• How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome: 14 Tests & Worksheets by Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D., PositivePsychology.com
  
• Adopt a Growth Mindset, PositivePscyhology.com 
• Is It Regular Self-Doubt or Imposter Syndrome? Take This Quiz to Find Out by Sanjana Gupta, VeryWell Mind

For More Resources and Support

• Indiana Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP) | JLAP provides confidential, compassionate support to all judges, lawyers, and law students by promoting well-being, improving lives, fostering connection, and thereby elevating the competence of our profession. Anyone can call JLAP for help, whether you are calling for yourself or for a friend, family member, or colleague. Learn more »
• ISBA Well-Being Committee | The Well-Being Committee believes healthy and positive lifestyles are vital to the practice of law. This committee supports and inspires a culture shift by advocating for the importance of physical and mental well-being, personal growth, career satisfaction, and community involvement. Learn more »
• Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) | IWIL is dedicated to the betterment of the legal profession by focusing on a holistic approach to well-being. Through advocacy, research, education, technical and resource support, and stakeholders’ partnerships, we are driven to lead a culture shift in law to establish health and well-being as core centerpieces of professional success. Learn more »
• American Bar Association (ABA) | The ABA provides a list of national resources for lawyers, judges, and students which encompass various aspects of well-being. Learn more »