mentoring for lawyers
The ABA’s Law Practice Today has a great collection of articles on mentoring here. In the days of old, apprentices learned the law through mentors. Mentoring is on the rise in the 21st century because of an “increased concern with incivility in the profession; a desire to improve the profession’s public image; and a growing recognition that the profession of law is becoming the business of law.” Although there’s no set definition of the mentor-mentee relationship, in essence, it’s a dynamic one involving “the passing on of skills, knowledge, and wisdom from one person to another” concerning “the art and science of the practice of law.” Ideally, the participants are co-equals who work together to direct the relationship and set its goals. I found these articles interesting and on the mark. I especially liked how they dispel some common misconceptions about the mentoring process. I’m currently mentoring another lawyer and find it mutually beneficial and very worthwhile. Through our monthly discussions on the practice of law and the legal profession, I’ve refined my vision of aptitude and success and rediscovered what I like most about being a lawyer.
