President's page: ‘I often felt like an imposter’ — understanding and overcoming self-doubt as lawyers

Shelly Dreyer is 2024-2025 Missouri Bar president.

When I was a young lawyer, I had never heard the term “imposter syndrome.”

All I knew was I often felt like an imposter, especially around older lawyers. I couldn’t let them see that, though. I tried my best to look like I had it altogether, but inside I was struggling with self-doubt, a lack of confidence, and anxiety. 

Here I am, 27 years later, with many jury trials under my belt and plaques of accomplishments on my wall – my law partner calls the plaque wall my “Shelly shrine.” But I still sometimes struggle with the feeling of not being good enough. 

I felt that way leading up to being sworn in as president of The Missouri Bar. The primary reason I wanted to be bar president was to promote well-being in the profession, so I decided it was time to walk the walk and openly discuss my own struggle with imposter syndrome.

I have realized that filling my wall with plaques was not to impress others, but to try to convince myself that I really am good enough to be a lawyer. 

As I travel around the state speaking to lawyers, I have learned that I am not alone in feeling this way and that imposter syndrome is common for lawyers. Why? Why do lawyers, who have years of education and evidence of high achievement, struggle with such feelings of inadequacy? 

A 2019 study regarding imposter syndrome describes the phenomenon as “high achieving individuals who despite their objective successes, fail to internalize their accomplishments and have persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud or imposter.”¹ According to Valerie Young, with the Imposter Syndrome Institute, there are five main types of imposter syndrome: 

1. the perfectionist – finds it hard to delegate and may obsess over details; 
2. the expert – will not apply for a job unless they meet all the criteria; 
3. the natural genius – used to achieving success without much effort and self-confidence suffers when faced with a setback; 
4. the soloist – feels like they need to accomplish things on their own; and 
5. the superhuman – feels guilty if they take a break.²
Most of us fit into one or more of these categories or know lawyers who do. 

The legal profession is known for its high standards, demanding work environment, and competitive nature. While these attributes often attract driven and high-achieving individuals, they also create fertile ground for imposter syndrome. 

As lawyers, we strive for perfection and never want to appear weak. From law school to practice, we are constantly evaluated through grades, client outcomes, and peer recognition. This environment can lead to the internalization of unrealistic expectations and a persistent feeling of inadequacy. 

I have witnessed myself and other lawyers attribute successes to luck or external factors instead of our own abilities, downplay our accomplishments, or overwork or avoid challenges due to fear of failure. 

The consequences of imposter syndrome can be significant, contributing to burnout, anxiety, and depression, which are 
already prevalent in the legal profession. It can also hinder career progression, as lawyers may shy away from seeking promotions, leadership roles, or high-profile cases. 

It is time we normalize discussions about imposter syndrome in the legal profession. Talking about our own struggles not only helps others realize they are not alone, but it also empowers people to identify and address the feelings associated with imposter syndrome.

Some methods I have used to address and improve my imposter syndrome include practicing self-compassion, finding mentors, celebrating successes and achievements, and building a strong support system. I practice self-compassion by allowing myself to make mistakes without internal criticism. Although I still struggle with imposter syndrome, I found these methods have lessened those feelings.

Lawyers also have access to no-cost, confidential support through the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program, including counseling, peer-to-peer mentoring, and many other wonderful services. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and hope. 

My wish with this column is that other lawyers, especially young lawyers, realize they are not alone and that they deserve every accolade and compliment they receive. Together we can pull back the curtain of imposter syndrome and build confidence in ourselves and our peers. 

Endnotes 
1 Bravata DM, Watts SA, Keefer AL, Madhusudhan DK, Taylor KT, Clark 
DM, et al. Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: a Systematic Review. 35 J GEN INTERN MED. 1252-75 (2020). 
2 The 5 types of imposter syndrome, IMPOSTER SYNDROME INSTITUTE (2024), 
https://impostorsyndrome.com/articles/5-types-of-impostor-syndrome.