Massive imposter syndrome (law) - please help

[Vaned]

I don’t know if this is imposter syndrome or I am out of my depth.

I returned to work from maternity leave a few months ago. I’m a disputes lawyer, but fortunately I had been eased into my return to work and I was finding my confidence again.

I now have a huge dispute, where the deadline for a pleading (arguing your case) is the middle of next week. I know little about it, as I took over the matter someone else who has now left. My partner (manager) is currently on holiday. And the client has no employees left in that part of the business. The other side’s pleading came in earlier this week and I feel so so out of my depth. I just don’t know what I’m doing. How am I meant to draft and argue a case I know little about. It doesn’t help that we have a weak position.

If we lose on merit then that’s fine, but I’m terrified we will lose because I did a crap job. I know I’m my own worst critic but I do always want to do the best for my clients. Is this imposter syndrome? Is this return to work wobbles? What do I do?

I actually feel sick.

I am in a different area of law, so can’t advise on how to make a good case, but if I were you, I would do the following:

1. if your supervising partner is away, is there anyone else you can ask for help?
2. read through every bit of the file and make a chronological list of events.
3. research case law on the subject.
4. make a list of any relevant statues.
5. is there a way you can search your case management system/ previous files to find a similar case so you have a precedent argument to work from?
6. go through the other side’s pleading and make a list of point to counter their arguments.
7. make a list of what you need from your client.
8. If all that fails, can you get an extension?

You are going to have to do it, so just spend as much time as you can on it until it’s submitted and you’ll feel lots better once it’s done.

It could be imposter syndrome or back to work niggles. It’s really easy to doubt yourself - I do all the time and have to have a word with myself. Fingers crossed for you.

Deep breaths. You can do this.

It's not imposter Syndrome, it's you knowing you don't have much help in prepping for something you don't have extensive knowledge in. Only way for it is to cram as much as you can and prepare the best you can!

Where is the firm's partner in this? Surely you are not left to deal with this alone with no one senior to oversee?

Could you instruct counsel to do the drafting if you're concerned about not getting up to speed quickly enough?

No, no partners. We have 4 in our team - two con and two non-con. Both partners (including supervising partner) on the contentious side are away, and the two non con ones partners don’t do any contentious side.

Then it’s senior associates (which I am) and associates. I’ve dealt with disputes like this before on my own when my partner is away, which is why I think he thinks I’ll be fine. But they’ve always been my matters, rather than a matter I picked up a month ago that was dumped on me.

And I know I’m a good lawyer. I am good at my job. I was made up to SA at 4 years PQE when my firm tends to promote at 6 years plus. I’ve managed and run bigger disputes on my own. But I feel like such a fraud right now and that I’ll be letting everyone down.

Thank you, that is really good advice. I’m going to follow those tips. I just need to get myself together.

My suggestion would be to start drafting. Leave blanks/square brackets where you don't have instructions. Send to the client and seek instructions asap. If they can't provide the answers all you can do is not admit the points/ put the claimant to proof. I'd also suggest warning the client in writing that there will be additional costs if you need to amend the defence later.

It's really poor planning to have both contentious partners off at the same time. Just do what you can and document everything in case you need to cover your arse.