Gordon’s long-running counsel, advice and support has enormously benefited many younger female attorneys. Candice J. Enders, a shareholder in the firm’s antitrust practice group, had this to say about Gordon: “Ruthanne actively mentored me for the last 17 years. She has been instrumental in the development of my legal skills, repeatedly sitting side-by-side with me to discuss ways to improve my writing or other skills. But she has also mentored me in a lot of other ‘soft’ skills, like establishing and maintaining strong relationships with co-counsel and developing my voice within the Firm.” Caitlin G. Coslett, another antitrust shareholder, stated: “I have been extremely fortunate to have had Ruthanne as a mentor since my first year at the Firm. Ruthanne has spent countless hours giving me meaningful and useful substantive feedback on my performance, the encouragement to take on more sophisticated work, and the confidence I needed to advance my career and grow at the firm. It’s amazing to think that Ruthanne has mentored so many other attorneys—including numerous junior women attorneys—as well.” 

Why is mentorship important in the legal profession? I believe that mentorship is important in every profession. As in other professions, in the legal profession it enables more experienced lawyers to share their knowledge and experience with those with less experience, and to provide support on both a personal and professional level, as one way to facilitate the mentored lawyers meeting their full potential.