The latest Rock Star Mentors Panel, held virtually on August 27, 2024, addressed the common experience of imposter syndrome. Exemplifying the CWBA 2024-25 theme of Shine Your Truth, the panelists spoke about how overcoming imposter syndrome is necessary to find one’s place in the practice of law and were representatives for what life looks like when you move past it.
Moderator: Ryann Peyton, Executive Director of the Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program.
Panelist: Hon. Melina Hernandez, Arapahoe County Court Judge.
Panelist: Carime Lee, CWBA President and Colorado Housing & Finance Authority Real Estate Attorney.
Panelist: Marika Rietsema Ball, Corporate Counsel for Techstars.
Imposter syndrome is the voice that keeps you in an ill-fitting role because “it isn’t that bad.” It is the voice that keeps you from approaching a potential mentor because “they’re too busy” or “they could never relate”. It is the voice that keeps you from speaking up and pursuing opportunities. Imposter syndrome is knowing you are different and feeling isolated by that difference.
Recognizing the importance of representation, the panelists were generous in sharing their vulnerability to imposter syndrome and the tactics they use to fight it. There were overarching themes to their advice:
● Build your own path.
○ Being different means not having an established pattern to follow to success.
○ When you’re the first, embrace the freedom of doing it your own way.
○ Map out what you want and make a to-do list of how to get there.
● Know your value.
○ What enriches you? What classes or projects did you love?
○ Keep a log of things you do well and “extras” you participate in.
■ What did you do well? What did you learn? How did you help?
■ Helps you enrich your practice and sell yourself.
○ You are a whole person.
■ Listen to your instinct and follow your interests.
■ Say no to things that aren’t in line with your values.
■ You shouldn’t need to compartmentalize yourself to survive in your career.
■ Be open to different practice options that allow you to function and thrive.
■ You don’t need to “just deal” with a situation that doesn’t sit right with you.
■ Speak up for what you need to do your job well. If you don’t get it, it is time to look for other opportunities.
● Cultivate your community.
○ Your community, or “board of directors,” are the people to consult when making big decisions.
○ Identify your cheerleaders.
■ These are the people in any area of your life that empower you and reaffirm who you are.
■ We may know we are capable, but hearing it from someone else makes it more believable.
○ Find mentors - it is easier than you think.
■ Just ask. Find someone you want to be like and let them know; most people want to help.
■ Mentors don’t have to look like you or be different in the same way you are; the right people will find ways to relate.
○ Make your boss or someone else “at the table” your ally.
■ Someone with a handle on the local work culture to guide you.
■ Someone to talk you up, vouch for you, or speak up for you.
■ If needed, use LinkedIn; ask your network for introductions. If they say no, that says a lot about them and the company/firm.
○ Consider a career coach.
○ Find programs and spaces (like the CWBA) for shared experiences and/or an embracing atmosphere.
The panel was hosted by CWBA LIFT!, a mentoring program formed in collaboration between the CWBA Membership and Mentorship Committee and the Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP). To get involved with the Membership and Mentorship Committee, please contact the CWBA Committee Co-Chairs Kylie Ngu and Sally Roller.
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Courtney Keyes is an independent attorney and founder of Keyes Legal Consulting LLC, specializing in privacy, security, technology, and business law. She worked full-time as a business analyst while she attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. This work fueled her passion for the cross section of technology and the law, and Courtney now applies her analyst experience to help new and growing businesses navigate complex legal challenges and achieve their objectives.
I wasn't able to attend this panel and am happy to see a recap posted. I like how Courtney summarized all of the info. "Identify your cheerleaders" stands out for me. An attorney I used to work for liked to refer to me as the firm's #1 draft pick because I'm so good at empowering my coworkers. He was my biggest cheerleader. Thank you, Courtney, for your contribution to The 1891. Looking forward to more blogs from you!