Today, I was announced as the female Vice President of the Law Society Council of South Australia. I am honoured but also terrified by this appointment. Reflecting on my 16 years as a lawyer, 11 years as a mother, and 13 years in business, I wondered why I feel this way. The answer: imposter syndrome. This study explores the phenomenon of imposter syndrome and the experiences of prominent legal figures who have faced and overcome it, providing valuable lessons that I have drawn from in my journey.
Lawyers Weekly published two great articles:
Challenging impostor syndrome begins at the top, High Court judge says – Lawyers Weekly
Supreme Court judge on the biases that shape impostor syndrome – Lawyers Weekly
Justice Ierodiaconou faced imposter syndrome shortly after her appointment to the High Court. I am so appreciative that she has publicly shared this! While at an event with a male barrister, a senior barrister remarked “really nice to meet your daughter” to the barrister that she was standing alongside. When corrected and told Justice Ierodiaconou was just appointed, the senior barrister followed up with, “Oh, you’re a Magistrate?”
The slipup did not end there, with the senior barrister then having assumed that Justice Ierodiaconou must have been a County Court Magistrate.
These comments made Justice Ierodiaconou question herself. She wondered if it was something she had done. She wondered why she was facing bias. She did a deep dive asking if it was due to her gender, age, and or ethnicity.
It is surprising that someone elevated to a position of such honour would be humbled by the utterances of another person. However, at times we seem to forget that even the most elevated and successful amongst us are still human beings with thoughts and feelings. Some even have “a never good enough mentality” which often explains overachievement.
Justice Ierodiaconou commented in Lawyers’ Weekly, “While this was happening, I felt astonished, but I also started to think, is it something I’m wearing? I had to step back out of myself because it was starting to make me feel like I don’t belong [and] maybe I’m not cut out to be a judicial officer”
I applaud Her Honour for speaking out. This imposter phenomenon is crushing for many of us. It is only through making these public statements that others, most especially working mothers can try to smash the proverbial glass ceiling that suffocates us.
During the 2024 Minds Count Lecture, Justice Gleeson emphasised the need for senior legal professionals to be open about vulnerabilities to support younger practitioners. She highlighted the importance of self-care and counselling.
Justice Gleeson stated, “When we hide our vulnerabilities, we give the impression that we are invulnerable. Junior practitioners may think they are the only ones struggling with self-doubt”
My Journey and Lessons Learned
Reflecting on my own experiences, I have faced significant self-doubt, especially during major career milestones. My recent appointment as Vice President of the Law Society was both an honour and a source of anxiety, triggering intense feelings of imposter syndrome. However, I have drawn valuable lessons from the experiences of Justices Ierodiaconou, Gucciardo, and Gleeson:
- Adopting a Growth Mindset: Like Justice Ierodiaconou, I have embraced lifelong learning and view challenges as opportunities for growth. I am often listening to the stoic principles of Marcus Aurelius who says: The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts”.
- Building Supportive Relationships: Establishing connections within the legal profession has been essential for mutual support and perspective.
- Acknowledging and Addressing Biases: Recognising and confronting biases that affect self-perception has been crucial for my self-confidence.
- Accepting Natural Doubts and Feelings: Understanding that doubts are natural and do not equate to incompetence, as demonstrated by Judge Gucciardo.
- Seeking Professional Advice: Engaging with mentors for strategies on handling imposter syndrome, as highlighted by Justice Gleeson.
Last Words
Imposter syndrome is more prevalent in the legal profession than most of us professionals would like to admit. Fear not, it can be managed through self-awareness, supportive relationships, and a commitment to growth. Drawing from the experiences of those in the highest esteem of the profession, I have gained insights that have better equipped me to face my new responsibilities with confidence and a positive outlook.