Opinion
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a boutique law firm owner
Never
Imposter syndrome is something many women in leadership experience at some point in their careers. As a 38-year-old owner of a boutique personal injury law firm, I found myself grappling with it more than once since I started my firm four years ago.
Leading a team of 12 in a highly competitive and emotionally charged field like personal injury law can often lead to moments of self-doubt. For me, it was a constant battle between feeling like I didn’t deserve my successes and worrying that someone would expose me as not being as capable as I projected.
Early on, I would often ask myself ‘Am I really cut out for this?’ or ‘How can I lead a team when I’m still figuring things out myself?’ The pressures of running a business, managing client expectations, and staying ahead in an ever-changing legal landscape all added to the weight of imposter syndrome.
Identifying my strengths
The turning point for me was a conscious decision to stop focusing on what I thought I lacked and instead recognise and nurture my strengths. It’s easy to focus on perceived weaknesses, but in doing so, I was ignoring the very skills that had helped me launch and grow my firm in the first place.
My strengths include an unwavering dedication to my clients and my ability to foster a strong, close-knit team culture. As a personal injury lawyer, the ability to connect on a personal level and offer compassionate representation is essential. I realised that my empathy, leadership, and attention to detail were not just skills but essential assets that differentiated my firm from other operations.
Building a support network
Another key to overcoming imposter syndrome was surrounding myself with a team that complemented my abilities and supported me. When I hired skilled individuals, I recognised that I didn’t have to know everything. I could rely on my team, and we could collectively succeed by playing to each other’s strengths. By delegating and trusting in the expertise of my associates, I was able to focus on growing the firm strategically.
Setting realistic expectations
Part of overcoming imposter syndrome involves setting realistic expectations for yourself. I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes. Failure is a part of growth, and as a firm owner, I’ve come to see challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Early on, I felt pressure to have all the answers and make every client feel like their case would result in a win. While being optimistic is important, I realised that being realistic with clients and myself is just as crucial.
Celebrating successes
I also learned to celebrate my successes, no matter how small. Whether it’s securing a favourable settlement, receiving positive feedback from a client, or even just hitting a business milestone, I take time to acknowledge these moments. They are reminders that I am capable, that I have earned my place, and that I am growing not only as a lawyer but also as a businesswoman and leader.
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome doesn’t vanish overnight. It’s a persistent voice that can return when faced with new challenges. However, by focusing on my strengths, building a supportive team, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating my successes, I’ve learned to quiet that voice and stand confidently in the business I’ve built. I now embrace my role with pride and continue to lead with purpose, knowing that my unique strengths have been the key to my success.
The ALA thanks Rin Kim for this contribution.
Rin Kim is an experienced Compensation Lawyer with a demonstrated history of success working in the Brisbane legal industry. With a variety of workplace backgrounds and diverse cultural experience, she is one of the most motivated and professional lawyers working in the personal injury and compensation area today. Having a Korean heritage, growing up in Canada and studying law at Bond University in Australia provides Rin with a unique experience and perspective which greatly assists her clients in achieving a successful result. She is a strong legal professional with an enviable track record and is a leader in her field.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
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