Kathleen Connelly of Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper in Westfield has been handling management-side employment law matters for 25 years, but has also distinguished herself as a mentor. She helped found in 2007, and continues to take a leadership role in, the firm’s “Women’s Business Initiative,” and has a reputation at the firm of always being willing to take time to show and explain to colleagues how to handle challenging tasks.

Is the role of mentor one that you set out to take, or one you happened into?