This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Dalton A. Breshears, J.D.
It doesn’t matter where you went to law school, how many cases you’ve won, or how high your GPA was. If you work in the legal field long enough, there’s a good chance you’ll hear a little voice in your head whisper, “You don’t belong here.”
That’s imposter syndrome. And the worst part is, it doesn’t usually show up when you’re failing, it shows up right when you’re doing well. You land the job, win the motion, get praise from a partner, and instead of celebrating, you think, I just got lucky. They’re going to figure me out.
The truth? You’re not alone. Some of the most capable, high-achieving attorneys deal with the same doubts. Why? Because law rewards perfectionism, constant comparison, and pressure to always know the answer. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling short when the bar is constantly moving.
But here’s the thing: imposter syndrome isn’t telling the truth. The fact that you care that you question yourself, that you want to be better, that’s not a flaw. That’s what makes you a thoughtful, ethical professional. The problem isn’t that you don’t know enough. It’s that you’ve convinced yourself that everyone else knows everything.
One of the best ways to quiet that voice is to talk about it. Chances are the people you admire most have felt the same way. Keep track of your wins, your progress, and the times you figured something out you didn’t think you could. And remember, confidence doesn’t come from pretending to know everything—it comes from knowing you’ll figure it out, even when you don’t.
You earned your seat at the table. Don’t let a lie in your head make you shrink from it.
Created By: Dalton A. Breshears
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Dalton A. Breshears, J.D.
Dalton A. Breshears, J.D. | Sciencx (2025-07-19T21:36:10+00:00) Imposter Syndrome Is Lying to You—Don’t Let It Run Your Career. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/07/19/imposter-syndrome-is-lying-to-you-dont-let-it-run-your-career/
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