Rejections, Resilience, and Imposter Syndrome

Rejections

Rejections – something 99% of barristers have dealt with and overcome. Being rejected from a chambers, scholarship or mini-pupillage rejections are all such an important part of the journey to become a barrister. I know first-hand that the feeling of not being good enough can hit you like a ton of white books (they are heavy). However, every rejection is a step closer to becoming a barrister. You need to apply, LOTS, to get mini pupillages and a pupillage. Just remember though – you only need one pupillage; you will get there. 

Here are my some of my top tips to deal with rejection:

1. Process it. It is okay to feel sad about being rejected. Often aspiring barristers will spend many hours on an application for a chambers they have their heart set on, and get rejected. However, they may get accepted from a chambers that they spent a lot less time on the application. Feelings of disappointment are normal. It may help to try different techniques to help to deal with the disappointment; try meditation, writing down positive affirmations or whatever works for you. 

2. Talk. It can help to talk about how you feel. Sometimes it can feel like you are the only one receiving the rejections, but even those you least expect will experience a lot of rejection in their journey to the bar. I have found talking to students at my stage can help as I find out others have received a rejection for the same thing, which makes me feel less alone. Another reason why building a support network on the bar course or undergraduate is so valuable. Or, if you find it too much to talk to your peers, talk to friends or family outside of law.  

3. Move on. Try not to sit in the processing stage for too long. Ask for feedback as to why you are rejected and if you are lucky, you will get it. Use that feedback, your own, or employability departments feedback to improve on your next application and go for it! You’ve got this!

Resilience

Having dealt with rejections we build resilience. Resilience is such a key skill for a barrister. We all know that in most court cases, only one side wins. Having built resilience throughout studies, this can really help when it comes to practising as a barrister and processing not winning a case you had spent a long time on.

A lot of chambers pupillage application mark scheme include resilience as a key skill. Disabled barristers and aspiring barristers will often have built up a mass amount of resilience already – use this to your advantage! When asked if you have any disabilities you want to declare, this is a good space to demonstrate the hurdles you have faced and your unparalleled resilience and determination to joining the bar. Or, when asked when you have demonstrated resilience, talking about your disability could be a good answer, if you are comfortable talking about it.   

Imposter Syndrome

Even as a qualified, successful barrister, many still report feelings analogous of imposter syndrome. Remember that you are where you are for a reason – whether studying law at undergraduate level, on the bar course or even at pupillage, you have worked so hard to get to where you are now and you deserve to be there.

Although feelings of doubt are common at the Bar, it is important to recognise these feelings and ensure you are looking after your own mental health and general wellbeing. Check out ‘Wellbeing at the Bar’ for some resources.

By Holly Parker