Embracing a Growth Mindset: The Key to Success as a Lawyer

By Freya Fredriksson.

Reading time: three minutes

In the field of law, success is often attributed to a combination of:

• intelligence;
• diligence; and
• strategic thinking.

However, one overlooked factor that significantly sets apart a lawyer or law student is their mindset. Embracing a growth mindset, especially for those in minority groups, can be the differentiating factor between stagnation and success in the legal profession.

I recently read a book called ‘Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential’ by Carol Dweck. The psychologist explained how a growth mindset refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Dweck compared that someone with a fixed mindset perceives abilities as innate traits that cannot be changed. This was a lightbulb moment for me – the type of mindset that you have can have a profound impact on your career’s trajectory as a lawyer. 

It is unlikely that a person with a fixed mindset – who may say things like ‘I can’t do this or ‘I will never be good at that – will get far in their legal career, or maybe they will, but they are only making things harder for themselves. Contrary to how a person with a growth mindset may instead say ‘I can’t do that yet, so I will try hard and see where this takes me’. A growth mindset encourages lawyers to embrace challenges rather than avoid them. Instead of turning down challenges and hiding their mistakes, they actively seek opportunities that are outside of their comfort zone, all because they know it will make them a better lawyer.

Every day, barristers and solicitors either win or lose their cases. This means that setbacks and obstacles are inevitable in the legal profession, more so for underrepresented lawyers. A growth mindset equips them with the resilience to bounce back from setbacks stronger than ever. This is because instead of viewing setbacks as permanent failures, they perceive them as valuable learning experiences and recognise that is simply a learning curve. They do not expect perfection to show up before any learning takes place given that they recognise that it is not crucial to be perfect right now.  

Lawyers with a growth mindset can better accept difficulties and rather than shying away from difficult cases or complex legal issues, they see them as an exciting opportunity to learn even more. Approaching challenges with resilience and determination will take them much further than those with a fixed mindset. A growth mindset encourages one to maintain a positive outlook as, despite the inherent stress and pressure of legal practice, they are more equipped to maintain a positive outlook by reframing setbacks or failures as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

To be considered ‘successful’ in the legal profession, it is recognised that one must work hard, and have sustained effort and dedication over a long time. Lawyers with a growth mindset understand that excellence is not achieved overnight but through hard work and consistent practice. It is not about how much they want it, it is how hard they are willing to work for it. This means that if you want to achieve your potential as a law student or lawyer, you must first use the growth mindset.

Lastly, adopting a growth mindset is a soft skill that employers look for. This is because having employees with a growth mindset helps to create a positive working environment as they are always seeking to learn new skills, utilise criticism positively and are continually working on themselves to be better people. This is an easy but effective skill that you can cultivate in everyday life by challenging negative and self-limiting thoughts and replacing them with a more positive idea.

 Overall

A growth mindset is not only conducive to personal development but also essential for success in the legal profession. This is especially important for underrepresented individuals as they will face barriers every single day in which a growth mindset will aid them and benefit them hugely. By choosing to believe that intelligence is cultivated through effort and perseverance, you will be empowering yourself. In a field as dynamic and competitive as law, cultivating a growth mindset is not just advantageous— it is indispensable for achieving success in your legal career.