5 Tips for Finding Your Voice and Confidence in Law School
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5 Tips for Finding Your Voice and Confidence in Law School
Struggling to find your voice in law school can feel like an uphill battle. Insights from an Executive Speech & Presentations Coach and a CEO & Founding Attorney offer invaluable guidance. The article opens with advice to believe your audience supports you and concludes with the importance of sharing your perspective in class. Discover these and five other powerful insights from experts, making a total of five pieces of advice.
- Believe Your Audience Supports You
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
- Engage in Campus Community Activities
- Embrace Being Different
- Share Your Perspective in Class
Believe Your Audience Supports You
One word of advice is to remind the students that you were invited to participate. So, why are you standing at the back? Remember when you stand to speak or introduce yourself, no one is saying, 'Oh, I hope they're terrible for the next 10 minutes.' Why? Because we have to listen to you. Believe it or not, your audience is cheering for you. Good-hearted people want you to be successful, and the only way you will be comfortable is if you believe that as a foundation for your public speaking and presentations.
I realized early on that I needed to learn to speak out loud. Let the ear fix what the eye can't see. What do I mean by that? As you are writing a presentation, knowing you will have to give it verbally, you need to practice out loud. Sometimes you'll come across a word that your tongue just can't say. Fine, find a new word. No one knows what is on your paper, so you craft your presentation to the best of your ability, even if you have to find a new word or substitute a word to make sure that it sounds good on the ear. My next point is you must practice out loud! Practicing in silence does you no good because the ear can't fix what it can't hear. So, you must practice out loud from start to finish. Stand up and record yourself on your phone. If it's good, listen to it enough until you are able to quote it back.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
If you're struggling to find your voice or confidence in law school, my biggest piece of advice is this: focus on progress, not perfection. Law school can feel overwhelming with its competitive environment and high expectations, but remember that confidence is built through small, consistent steps rather than instant mastery.
One way to start is by engaging actively in classes and discussions. It's okay to not have the "perfect" answer every time. Participating, even when you're unsure, helps you grow and reinforces that your contributions are valuable. Over time, your confidence will build as you realize that mistakes are part of the learning process, not a measure of your worth.
Another key is preparation. Confidence often stems from knowing your material well. Dedicate time to understanding your coursework and cases, and don't be afraid to ask questions when you're stuck. Developing strong relationships with professors and peers who can offer guidance and support can also help you feel more grounded and assured.
When I was in law school, I developed my voice by writing—a lot. Whether it was practice briefs, journal articles, or even personal reflections, putting my thoughts into words helped clarify my reasoning and allowed me to express ideas more effectively. Over time, this practice translated into better articulation in both written and oral settings.
Finally, give yourself grace. Law school is challenging, but you're there for a reason. Take the time to celebrate small victories, and don't let imposter syndrome convince you that you're any less capable than your peers. Finding your voice and confidence is a journey—lean into it, and trust that you're growing every step of the way.
Engage in Campus Community Activities
To build confidence in law school, I advise getting involved in the campus community, whether through clubs, volunteer work, or other activities—even if they're not directly law-related. Developing a supportive network can be crucial for boosting your self-assurance during this challenging time.
Embrace Being Different
Never be afraid of being different. I decided to become a lawyer after going through my own divorce, which left me with little more than being a newly-single mom of three kids under the age of 6 and my high school diploma. By the time I made it through community college and undergrad, my age and responsibilities as a mother put me in a very different category than most of my class. Since I always felt out of place, I never felt like I had to fit in, which also influenced how I dreamed about my future. From then to now, I've established and built a divorce and custody law firm that generates $4M in annual revenue, which was something else people told me was impossible. So, never let anyone dissuade you from being you and dreaming big—because that's exactly what the legal field really needs—people not afraid to do what others say is unrealistic.
Share Your Perspective in Class
Once you've done the reading and prepared for class, be confident that you were admitted for a reason, and make sure you share your perspective in class—particularly if you have a divergent or interesting opinion. Most professors love conversations that include real debates with real stakes, so bring and test your beliefs in class.
