Ever felt like you're just waiting for someone to expose you as a fraud at work? That nagging feeling that everyone else has their s*** together, and you're somehow just winging it?  

Welcome to imposter syndrome — a common feeling that many of us experience, no matter how polished our LinkedIn profile looks.

Wait, what exactly is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that inner voice telling you that you’re not good enough, that you’ve somehow blagged your way into your role, and that it’s only a matter of time before everyone else figures it out too. It’s a mental game of "When will they catch me?" — and spoiler alert: they won’t. But try telling your brain that!

For in-house lawyers, this feeling can be even more pronounced. You’re not just practising law anymore; you’re managing stakeholders, advising business teams, and navigating corporate politics. It’s a lot! And it’s easy to feel out of your depth.

The prime candidates for imposter syndrome

Unlike private practice, where you had a clear structure, billable hours, and a safety net of partners to lean on, the in-house world is different. Suddenly, you’re the legal expert in the room. People look to you for answers on everything from compliance to contracts to “Can I get sued for this?”

Cue the panic. Am I supposed to know all this? What if I give the wrong advice? What if I don’t know the answer?

Here are a few reasons why imposter syndrome hits in-house lawyers hard:

1. Wearing many hats: In-house counsel roles often require you to dabble in areas outside your expertise. One minute you’re reviewing an NDA, the next you’re talking about intellectual property or data privacy. Feeling like a jack-of-all-trades but master of none? Yep, that’s imposter syndrome talking.

2. Lack of legal peers: In-house teams are often small, and sometimes you’re the only lawyer in the entire company. Without other legal professionals to bounce ideas off, it’s easy to feel isolated and unsure of your skills.

3. Comparing yourself to externals: When you bring in external lawyers, you might feel like they know more than you. Spoiler alert: that’s because they specialise! Your role is to see the bigger picture and balance legal risk with business priorities.

4. Corporate jargon overload: Suddenly, you’re in meetings where people throw around acronyms and business terms like confetti. EBITDA? KPIs? Synergies? What even is "synergy"? It’s a whole new language to learn, and it can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone

Guess what? Most in-house lawyers have felt this way at some point. Even the ones who LOOK like they’ve got it together. The legal profession, by nature, attracts high achievers who set ridiculously high standards for themselves. Combine that with a new role outside the traditional law firm structure, and it’s a perfect storm for self-doubt.

How to tackle imposter syndrome head-on

Let’s get one thing straight: Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. It just means you care about doing a good job. So, how do you quiet that inner critic? Here are some tips:

1. Stop comparing yourself to others

It’s easy to look at other in-house lawyers and think, “Wow, they’ve got it all together.” But here’s the truth: They probably don’t. Social media, LinkedIn posts, and polished bios can paint a picture of perfection, but behind the scenes, everyone has their doubts.

2. Embrace the learning curve  

No one expects you to know everything right away. In-house roles are unique, and there’s a lot to learn on the job. The best lawyers are those who know when to ask questions and seek help. Give yourself permission to learn: ask questions, seek out mentors, and if you’re stuck — Google is your friend!! And instead of focusing on what you don’t know, celebrate everything you’ve already learned.  

3. It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know.’‍

You’re not expected to be a walking legal encyclopaedia. If you don’t know the answer, it’s perfectly fine to say, “Let me look into that and get back to you.” It shows that you’re thorough and thoughtful—not clueless. Even the most seasoned lawyers consult with colleagues or external experts. It’s not a weakness; it’s smart practice.

4. Keep a ‘Win’ journal  

Feeling down? Keep a record of your achievements — big or small. Did you negotiate a tricky contract? Help the business avoid a potential legal issue? Manage a crisis without breaking a sweat? Write it down. On tough days, it’s a great reminder of how capable you really are.

5. Talk about it  

You’d be surprised how many in-house lawyers struggle with imposter syndrome. Share your experiences with peers, join professional networks like the Watering Hole, or even chat with a mentor. You’ll quickly realize you’re far from alone.

Remember: you’re here for a reason

Imposter syndrome can be a persistent voice in your head, but it doesn’t have to control your narrative. By focusing on your unique skills and building your confidence, you can keep that inner critic in check.

Your company believes in your abilities. They saw something in you that made them say, "Yes, this is the person we need." Trust their judgment! You’ve earned your spot, and you have every right to be in the room.

So, the next time imposter syndrome whispers in your ear, remind yourself: You’re not a fraud. You’re an in-house lawyer navigating a complex, ever-changing role — and you’re doing it just fine.

And if you’re still not convinced…!

Famous people who have experienced imposter syndrome:  

• Tom Hanks: Despite being one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, Hanks has said he often feels like a fraud. "No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point when you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud?’”

• Meryl Streep: The most Oscar-nominated actor of all time has said she sometimes thinks she doesn’t know what she’s doing. "You think, ‘Why would anyone want to see me again in a movie? And I don’t know how to act anyway.’”

• Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Meta): In her book Lean In, Sandberg talks about feeling like she doesn’t belong in the tech world. "There are still days when I wake up feeling like a fraud, not sure I should be where I am."

• David Bowie: The legendary musician once said, "I had serious doubts that I’d ever be successful at anything. I’d look at my work and say, ‘This is a sham.’”

• Howard Schultz (Former CEO of Starbucks): Schultz has said he battled imposter syndrome when he took on the role of CEO. "Very few people, whether you’ve been in that job before or not, get into the seat and believe they are now qualified."

• Albert Einstein: Even the father of modern physics experienced imposter syndrome. He reportedly referred to himself as an “involuntary swindler” who didn’t think he deserved the fame and recognition he received.

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