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The Diary of a Trainee Solicitor: Entry 3 - Imposter Syndrome.

The Diary of a Trainee Solicitor: February 2025, Entry 3 - Imposter Syndrome.

As I write this third entry, I can’t help but wonder - where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year, and now, here we are in February. January rushed by in a blur - packed with hearings, paperwork, and a particularly enlightening financial remedies seminar. There was no room for the typical “January Blues” because as soon as January 2nd arrived, it was full steam ahead. The pace has definitely picked up, and every week seems to raise the stakes just a little bit higher.

As I dive deeper into the legal world, I’m noticing a shift in more than just the workload - but my mindset too. The early excitement of the new year has given way to a solid, determined focus. I’m more committed than ever to embracing larger challenges and tackling them with precision and skill.

One of the standout moments of January was attending a Financial Remedies Seminar in Bristol, alongside Nick Dudman as part of our matrimonial finance team. Held at the beautiful Harbour Hotel by Albion Chambers, the event was a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the sharpest minds in the field. The keynote speaker was Sir Nicholas Mostyn, a towering figure in family law whose contributions have shaped many of the precedents we rely on today. Throughout the day, the barristers from Albion Chambers covered a wide range of topics - from Freezing Orders and Enforcement of Orders to the complexities of the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA). It was like a masterclass in financial dispute resolution, and I soaked up every bit of it.

What made the day even more special was having my mother, Tracey Rodford, travel down from London to attend the seminar as well. As a fellow family lawyer, she has always been one of my biggest inspirations, so sharing this experience with her felt like a full-circle moment. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come - but also of how much there is still to learn. With exams ahead and plenty more challenges to tackle, this was just another step in the journey, but it felt like a significant one.

But that moment of reflection also brought up an emotion I suspect many trainees - and even seasoned professionals experience: imposter syndrome. It’s easy to feel like you’re out of your depth as a trainee, especially when surrounded by such experienced solicitors and barristers. I often found myself questioning whether I’m articulate enough, whether my vocabulary is up to par, or if I measure up at all - particularly since I didn’t study law at university.

Though I work in a small firm where I don’t feel lost in the crowd, events like the Financial Remedies seminar still push me out of my comfort zone, and that’s when those feelings of self-doubt bubble up.

But the moments of insecurity don’t last long. They’re counterbalanced by experiences that reinforce my belief in myself. For instance, in January, I had the chance to attend a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) Hearing for a particularly complex case that had been a major focus of my work. The lead-up to an FDR is always demanding, but this particular case required a significant amount of preparation and attention to detail. When the hearing arrived, we received a far more favourable outcome than we had hoped for, allowing us to settle the case right then and there. It was incredibly rewarding to see the client so pleased and stepping out of court to sunshine and blue skies felt like the perfect ending to a hard-fought case.

These kinds of moments far outweigh any feelings of insecurity. I played a big role in this case, and at times I questioned whether I was capable of handling such responsibility. But, when the results speak for themselves, it’s clear that the effort - and the doubts - were all worth it.

Upon reflection, I’ve realised that imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s a sign that you care. It means you’re pushing yourself, striving for improvement, and working toward excellence. I’m learning to silence that inner voice of doubt by focusing on what I do know, rather than what I don’t. Each day brings new lessons, and with them, more confidence in my abilities. Confidence doesn’t stem from never doubting yourself - it comes from consistently showing up, putting in the work, and realising that growth happens in moments of discomfort.

So, while I know that imposter syndrome might not disappear overnight, I’m choosing to reframe it. Instead of seeing it as proof that I don’t belong, I’m viewing it as confirmation that I’m exactly where I need to be - learning, evolving, and carving my place in this profession.

This year is shaping up to be one of the toughest yet. I have my SQE 1 exam this summer, and every spare moment I have is dedicated to studying. It’s going to be challenging, but I’m determined to give it my all.

Maisie Rodford, X. 
P.S. You can read my first Diary entry HERE.
And my second Diary entry HERE.

Maisie joined the firm in July 2024 as a Trainee Solicitor after graduating from Exeter University where she studied Sociology & Criminology. She will undertake her Solicitors Qualifying Exams in July 2025 and January 2026 with the intention of becoming a fully qualified solicitor in the summer of 2026. Maisie has now embarked on her SQE studies and is eager to pursue a career specialising in Family Law once qualified.
 
Outside of the office, Maisie enjoys walking, reading, and eating out!