Overcoming Self-Doubt: Secrets to Defeating Imposter Syndrome in Law School
Getting accepted to law school is a remarkable accomplishment. This can cultivate a sense of pride, yet feelings of self-doubt are bound to creep in at some point. Perhaps it’s that negative inner voice that takes over upon receiving constructive feedback from a professor or getting a lower-than-desired score on an exam. It might reappear as you step into new environments through co-ops, clinical programs or pro bono services.
At times, that inner critic may feel sharp and overwhelming, but often, it’s a persistent, distracting hum in the background — causing you to second-guess your work as you complete case briefs and research papers.
If you’re struggling with self-confidence, you’re certainly not alone. This problem strikes many law school students and can persist even after graduation. The sooner you tackle it, though, the better.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome involves persistent feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, specifically related to one’s suitability for a particular environment. Imposter syndrome authority Clare Josa frames this as "the gap between who we see ourselves as being and who we think we need to be to achieve our goals or dreams." She adds that, although this tends to encompass low self-esteem, it shifts to imposter syndrome as it gains what Josa calls the "secret sauce" — a deep-seated fear of "being found out."
What Causes Imposter Syndrome?
Various factors can contribute to imposter syndrome, unique to each person. Frequently, this manifests as low-grade stress, causing seemingly small triggers to have a major impact. This, in turn, prompts hypervigilance, where we actively seek threats in everyday situations. Hypervigilance infuses activities and feedback with a sense of danger; for example, it can transform ordinary assignments or feedback into perceived evidence of inferiority.
What Are the 4 P’s of Imposter Syndrome?
Clare Josa advocates for a research-backed model known as the 4 P’s, highlighting harmful patterns that often emerge in response to feelings of self-doubt. These tendencies serve as subtle but important warning signs, suggesting that imposter syndrome risks impeding both well-being and academic or professional performance.
Perfectionism, Paralysis, People-Pleasing, Procrastination
Many law school students will exhibit a blend of Josa’s 4 P’s, although some may gravitate to certain responses. We describe these thought processes below, revealing how they play out in law school:
- Perfection – Often mistakenly regarded as a positive or admirable quality, perfectionism is characterized by excessively high standards that give way to rigidity and self-criticism. Perfectionism causes small mistakes to feel catastrophic and may stand in the way of adopting a growth mindset — one of the biggest contributors to long-term academic and professional success.
- Paralysis – Best described as the "deer in headlights" effect, paralysis occurs when we freeze and ignore crucial tasks. Driven by fear and avoidance, this typically plays out as inaction. During a study session, for instance, paralysis might entail staring blankly at the page instead of absorbing the material.
- Procrastination – Similar to paralysis, procrastination occurs when we put off essential tasks and, instead, involves "filling our time with busy-ness so we can avoid the thing that’s triggering the imposter syndrome," as Josa explains. This differs from paralysis in that it may fuel action, but that action may be misdirected. Most of us procrastinate at some point, but with imposter syndrome, procrastination becomes a harmful coping mechanism that greatly contributes to the cycle of stress.
- People-pleasing – Characterized by a desire for belonging, people-pleasing resembles fawning — striving for approval while avoiding conflict, even when this causes students to sacrifice their own needs or boundaries. In law school, this could be mischaracterized as networking. For example, offering to edit someone else’s case briefs may seem reasonable, but this could lead to a harmful pattern of overextending oneself in search of validation.
What Are the 3 C’s of Imposter Syndrome?
While the 4 P’s examine how people tend to behave when experiencing imposter syndrome, the 3 C’s offer a pathway to relief. Described by Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin and Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin, this model demonstrates intentional practices that can help individuals break free from cycles of maladaptive thinking and behaviors.
Clarify, Choose, and Create
The 3 C’s of imposter syndrome can be adapted according to personal circumstances and preferences but will typically play out as follows:
- Clarify – Focused on "understanding the fundamentals," the first C begins with creating an origin story. Consider when or how feelings of inadequacy began to emerge. Factors identified through this effort should lend insight into top triggers, or situations that are more likely to spark feelings of self-doubt. This reflection may also uncover what Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin describes as “trap doors” — coping mechanisms similar to the 4 P’s.
- Choose – Emphasizing "conscious choices," the second phase aims to break the cycle of imposter syndrome. According to Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, this means learning to "speak your truth" while taking steps to silence automatic negative thoughts (AGTS), which may otherwise pop into your head as you face identified triggers. Finally, commit to self-care in all its forms, pursuing therapy, meditation, yoga or whatever it takes to feel relaxed.
- Create – The right environments can support your shift away from the imposter cycle. These are developed through the third and final stage of the 3 C’s, which entails experimentation with new roles and support systems. This is an ongoing process described as a "conscious interrupting of old behaviors and thoughtful practice of new behaviors."
How to Deal With Imposter Syndrome
The 3 C’s offer a solid starting point for addressing imposter syndrome in the moment, but through practice, you can find lasting relief. That’s not to say that imposter syndrome will never strike — but these tools help ensure that you’ll be prepared when it does. This is important in the case that you revisit imposter syndrome at least temporarily as you move beyond law school and step into the professional realm.
Reframe or Counter Negative Thoughts
We’ve addressed the desire to quiet automatic negative thoughts, but these don’t always need to be silenced outright. Sometimes, these thoughts actually hold a grain of truth and, if reframed, can spark inspiration. For example, imposter syndrome might suggest you’re a fraud because you don’t fully understand a concept that will be covered on an upcoming exam. Use this as fuel to review important concepts or seek extra help so you can eventually master them.
In other situations, negative thoughts may need to be countered by evidence to the contrary. For one, the sheer fact that you’re enrolled in law school confirms that you do belong. After all, a lot goes into admissions, and all applications are reviewed carefully to confirm readiness. If you’re currently enrolled in a law school program, it’s certainly not by accident.
Focus on Progress and Actions
Imposter syndrome involves a lot of "what ifs," but you can also point to tangible evidence of progress to show that improvement is possible. This is all about strengthening your growth mindset so that minor setbacks stop feeling like indications of inadequacy.
This means celebrating the small wins — each study session you complete and each time you speak up in class. Continue to give yourself credit as all your hard work begins to pay off. Newfound insights into civil procedure, constitutional law or regulatory compliance deserve recognition, as they represent significant gains in legal reasoning.
Recognize It’s Common
It’s worth repeating that imposter syndrome is extraordinarily common in law school and even professional practice. Professor Bret Asbury confirms this, explaining, "The vast majority of students are lost, certainly in the first year, and even throughout law school. That feeling of not belonging, that feeling of being overwhelmed is normal."
Imposter syndrome may suggest that you’re all alone in your struggles, when in reality, it’s perfectly normal to deal with such issues at some point. It’s part of the process. Through navigating these emotions, you gain greater clarity about your strengths and about potential areas for growth.
Talk About It
Imposter syndrome thrives in secrecy but dissipates quickly in the face of community. Through open and honest conversations, you can dispel misleading assumptions. It can be daunting to get vulnerable and share how you truly feel, but you just might come away feeling more connected and confident.
There are numerous opportunities to discuss these issues. For example, student organizations and study groups foster close connections. You can also take advantage of confidential counseling services and other mental health resources.
Law School Is a Game (And You Can Learn the Rules)
Tackling the emotional side of imposter syndrome is essential, but these feelings take time to work through — and if mental health challenges stand in the way of immediate academic progress, you may benefit from creative strategies that bring the fun back to law school. Gamify the experience so that daunting classes or projects instead represent engaging challenges.
The Recruitment Game
Recruitment is a major source of pressure for law school students. Many worry that they’ll fail to make an impression, ultimately derailing carefully plotted career paths. When the stakes seem this high, early struggles can feel devastating, thereby reinforcing perceptions of inferiority.
In reality, however, recruitment is a journey like any other; there will naturally be stumbles along the way, but these are best viewed as growth opportunities. You can give yourself an edge in this recruitment game by simply knowing the rules and how they change.
Begin by closely examining the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Perspectives on Law School Recruiting report, which reveals key trends in hiring. Keep in mind that some of the most compelling professional opportunities can emerge beyond the typical recruitment race: For instance, legal expertise is crucial in compliance, in-house counsel and even within the growing legal tech industry.
Grades vs. Competence
Grades, like the recruitment process, should not be strictly viewed as a reflection of worth. Reframe these as an assessment tool, meant to uncover patterns or other previous oversights that, if adjusted, could set you up for success. Extra nuance is necessary when navigating programs that grade on a curve, as this forms a relative ranking rather than an accurate indication of concept mastery.
Law School Feedback
While feelings of inadequacy are often deeply personal, certain law school challenges can exacerbate this perception. For example, feedback from faculty members can be discouraging at the outset, especially for those who are accustomed to clear indications of ’right’ or ’wrong.’ Due to the analytical nature of interpreting law, however, responses are seldom so straightforward.
Multiple interpretations could potentially be deemed ’valid,’ so clarity of reasoning and the application of precedent become considerably more important. This could initially feel disorienting, but it’s a critical part of legal education. In the real world, after all, professional performance won’t be determined based on sheer memorization or simple right or wrong answers.
The Fallacy of the Flawless Peer (The Comparison Trap)
In law school, there is no such thing as flawless. Every student arrives equipped with strengths to leverage and weaknesses to overcome. Yet some of these are more visible than others, and trapped in a cycle of comparison, many students only see the remarkable accomplishments of their peers — and not the struggles they’ve faced along the way.
Everyone Is Struggling (They Just Don’t Show It)
Law school is challenging by nature, and this rigor is intentional. It’s meant to cultivate resilience, which is crucial when stepping into the pressures of the professional world. There, you can expect high workloads and notable ethical challenges — but if law school has equipped you with sufficient grit, these obstacles may feel less overwhelming.
Because these challenges are built into the very structure of law school, they’re experienced by the entire student body. Some people may appear to have it all together, but you likely only see their polished presentation and not the late-night stress or hidden, quiet moments of self-doubt.
Believe it or not, others may assume that you have it all together. This is why peer connection is so important: It dispels notions of perfection while normalizing the built-in struggles of law school.
The "Smart Person" Archetype
Every law school student (you included) will show moments of brilliance. Chances are, you notice these flashes of insight but aren’t paying as much attention during the many ordinary (or imperfect) moments that occur on a typical day.
The result? A highlight reel that may coalesce to form a vision of the perfect student — one who doesn’t actually exist but rather represents an amalgamation of the admirable moments you’ve witnessed in others, distilled into an archetype.
Expand your focus to include moments in which others fall short. The goal is not to feel superior but instead to understand that everyone has ‘off’ days. You’ll better understand the nuances of fellow students if you participate in study groups or seek peer mentors, who can further boost your confidence by showing admiration for your own distinct accomplishments.
Focus on Your Own Syllabus
Excessive comparison can be a distraction, preventing you from focusing on challenging coursework. This, in turn, can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you’re too worried about others’ success stories, you’ll struggle to prioritize your own growth and, as a result, your performance will suffer.
Try to catch yourself in these moments of rumination, and when they occur, set aside some time for self-care. Next, redirect your attention back to your own studies, focusing on why topics or assignments are fascinating or how they’ll contribute to your personal growth.
Re-Centering Your Self-Worth (The Deep Work)
Law school might be a driving force in your current life, but it does not define your worth. There’s far more to your identity than exams or grades. You might simply need to step back on occasion to truly appreciate your multifaceted personality and achievements.
Internal vs. External Validation
Imposter syndrome is more likely to strike those who rely excessively on external validation. This involves seeking confirmation from others: for example, assuming that grades alone confirm concept mastery or that recruitment is the only sign of professional promise. Internal validation shifts the narrative, placing you firmly in control over your own story. This inspires greater self-reflection, especially when accompanied by a growth mindset.
Resources for Self-Reflection
As you continue to shift your mindset and build self-confidence, look to inspiring books and podcasts for guidance. We’ve already highlighted several compelling resources (Clare Josa has published multiple books that explore imposter syndrome and similar challenges, as has the aforementioned Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin).
Additionally, consider listening to Brené Brown’s podcast Dare to Lead, which has an entire episode on imposter syndrome, not to mention numerous other discussions that show how frequently change-makers deal with self-doubt.
When to Call in Support
Seeking help is a sign of strength, and thankfully, this is readily available in law school. Schedule counseling sessions if you notice behaviors resembling the 4 P’s taking over, or if you’re struggling with specific academic matters; your advisor is available to provide support.
Fostering Confidence and Belonging at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law
At Drexel’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law, we believe there’s more to law school than case briefs and cold calls. While law school is undoubtedly rigorous, it can also be deeply meaningful and uplifting.
We’re here to help, offering multiple unique programs to empower the legal trailblazers of tomorrow. This includes a confidence-building pathway through the Bachelor of Arts in Law and industry-focused training through the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), along with foundations for leadership through the Juris Doctor (JD) and passion-driven specializations with the Master of Laws (LLM).
Sources