Shifting Perspectives: Reframing Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession

On March 24, during Lerners’ International Women’s Day Lunch and Learn, Yola Ventresca, managing partner of our London office, led a discussion on imposter syndrome. As an articling student and a woman, I — along with many other students I know — am familiar with this feeling. However, this insightful conversation has been instrumental in helping me reframe my perspective.  

Those who have experienced imposter syndrome may fear that one day someone will discover that you don’t belong, or that you are not capable. Driven by these worries, it is easy to put an immense amount of pressure on yourself, thinking that any misstep will confirm these doubts.

During her discussion, Yola spoke about flipping the narrative of imposter syndrome on its head. She challenged us to reframe it from an individual issue to a reflection of the systemic biases and norms within our environment. For instance, modern corporations were built with certain assumptions, such as the fact that men can work longer hours because they have women to manage their home and children. These institutions were not designed with women in mind, so it is not surprising that women often feel like imposters within them.

Yola encouraged us to stop blaming ourselves for these feelings and instead examine the root causes, such as structural biases and power dynamics. By acknowledging and dismantling these systems of exclusion, we can achieve a paradigm shift and understand why women feel this way despite their achievements.

Taking on Yola’s challenge, I am working to reshape the way I view imposter syndrome as an articling student. The legal profession, starting in law school, can come with high expectations and a results-driven culture. By recognizing these systemic pressures, I can understand why students often struggle with self-doubt. Through shifting this mindset, I am reminded that being an articling student is fundamentally about learning and growing. Articling provides opportunities to develop and build the foundation to become a great lawyer. Yola has also urged us to think about our skills and accomplishments that led us to where we are today.

It was very encouraging to learn about the various ways Lerners is actively working to dismantle the systems where imposter syndrome exists, especially with so many strong and intelligent women in leadership roles. While change is underway, Yola and other members of the firm shared several strategies to help manage feelings of self-doubt:

Create a “bad day” file

• Create a folder to save any positive feedback or small compliments you’ve received. On tough days, revisit it to remind yourself of your abilities and the appreciation others have for your hard work.

Find yourself a sponsor

• Find someone who believes in you and reminds you of your strengths. Hearing it from someone you respect is incredibly encouraging.

Reach out to people in the community

Imposter syndrome isn’t an individual experience; hearing others’ struggles shows you’re not alone and that self-doubt can be overcome. It provides reassurance that you can make it through tough times too.

This discussion was incredibly insightful and demonstrated that overcoming imposter syndrome is about understanding that it's often a reflection of the system, not a personal flaw. It was reassuring to hear people I look up to have experienced these feelings and yet have found ways to navigate and persevere. I’m grateful for their honesty and practical advice.

Moving forward, I’m committed to reshaping my mindset on imposter syndrome and contributing to helping other students overcome these barriers.