Description
Learn ways to manage anxiety and keep imposter syndrome at bay in your practice and within your firm.Many, if not most, attorneys suffer at one time or another from a form of anxiety known as imposter syndrome. This crippling selfdoubt can cause young attorneys to selfsabotage their careers and put unnecessary limits on their potential. While some anxiety and selfdoubt can drive us to be better lawyers, if unmanaged, it can also lead to more severe issues ranging from sleep disorders to eating disorders to substance use disorders. Attorneys suffering from imposter syndrome are also at greater risk of engaging in risky behavior and misconduct resulting from their insecurities. This presentation will discuss how the concept of imposter syndrome has evolved over the years and why attorneys seem so prone to suffering from it. This material will also outline the potential professional harm that can occur when attorneys are suffering from anxiety disorders. Finally, this presentation will suggest several ways to manage anxiety and keep imposter syndrome at bay in your practice and within your firm.
Date: 2021-12-20 Start Time: End Time:
Learning Objectives
Definition of Imposter Syndrome
• History of the Term
• How Has the Definition Evolved? To Whom Is It Commonly Applied? How Does It Differ From Other Manifestations of Anxiety?
• Why Lawyers? Perfectionism, Type A Personalities, Serious Nature of Work, Performance Elements of Practice (Before Clients, Courts, and Juries)
Potential Positives
• Anxiety Spurs Us to Be Better Lawyers
• Encourages Us to Remain Humble and Appreciate the Immense Responsibility That Comes With a Law License
• Encourages Us to Continue Learning in Our Profession
Potential Negatives
• Can Lead to Serious Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Disorders, and Eating Disorders
• Can Lead to Drinking and Substance Use to Manage the Fear and Anxiety
• Can Lead to Incivility and Overaggressiveness as a Way of Compensating for Feelings of Insecurity
Potential Ethical Issues/Misconduct
• Neglect of Client Matters
• Criminal Consequences of Drinking/Substance Use
• Incivility to Clients, Opponents, and Courts
Ways to Manage Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
• Maintaining Perspective • You Are More Than Just a Lawyer
• Making Sure That You Have a Community of Fellow Lawyers That You Feel Comfortable Sharing Fears With (at Least One Other Attorney)
• Making Sure That You Have a Life Outside the Office
CLE (Please check the Detailed Credit Information page for states that have already been approved) ,Additional credit may be available upon request. Contact Lorman at 866-352-9540 for further information.
Meredith S. Heller-Law Office of Meredith S. Heller PLLC
