Developing strong mentor relationships remains a common piece of advice given to young professionals in most industries. For junior lawyers attempting to navigate the unknowns of a new law firm, regardless of size, this advice might be the single most important counsel. Finding and cultivating a relationship with a strong mentor can mean the difference between understanding the social and politi cal dynamics of the firm and feeling lost at sea. More importantly, an effective mentor relationship can provide valuable perspective and insight, career guidance and valuable training (for both the mentor and the mentee). But a mentor relationship is more than coffee or lunch every quarter; the mentee must seek out substantive results from a mentor. This article will discuss not only why finding a mentor is so important at a law firm, but also how to effectively cultivate a mentor relationship that can provide the benefits essential to enhancing an associate’s professional career.
Why an Associate Needs a Mentor
Many first-year attorneys, fresh out of law school, enter the workplace equipped with a law degree and a strong desire to succeed. Often, that knowledge and desire, even for the most driven, is not enough to ensure a long-lasting and successful career. Most lawyers who have survived and thrived in the legal world point to strong mentoring relationships that helped train and educate them along their paths to success, not only in their particular area of practice but in the intricacies of navigating the business aspects of the legal profession, and the particular firm where they work.
