Introduction

According to Webster's Dictionary, a mentor is a trusted counselor or guide, tutor, or coach. A protege is a person protected or trained, or whose career is furthered by, a person of more experience, prominence, or influence. A mentor is available to answer a protege's questions about the practice of law. Mentoring continues a practical legal education that law school does not provide. It gives lawyers of all ages and levels of experience access to expertise not otherwise available to them. Unlike traditional mentoring programs, the Ginsburg Inn mentor groups are designed so all members of the group may benefit from the experience, regardless of the amount of time the attorney has been practicing. Proteges may have a fresh point of view on a problem or issue, and the groups will open up a dialogue on the practice of law and the common situations lawyers face. All mentoring group members bring unique and valuable talents to this process.

Goals

Our overall goal is to provide opportunities for development of attorneys' legal knowledge, skills, and professional relationships.[1] More specific goals include: sharing professional values; addressing ethical concerns; addressing practical concerns and problems; assisting with transitions into practice and while in practice; teaching; promoting bar involvement and positive relationships among bar members; improving service to clients; improving the public's perception of the legal profession.

Mentor Group Meeting 

Each mentor group meets about once a month to ensure the mentoring program meets the goals. The meetings need not be formal and can take place in virtually any setting and at any time.

Conducting the Mentor Program 

A. Mentor groups have been assigned by the mentoring committee. The list of the assignments can be found in the Ginsburg Inn handbook. We have formed the mentor groups by dividing each pupilage team into two groups. Each group will be assigned one contact person from the mentoring committee. This contact person will act as a resource person who will answer questions. This contact person will not be a member of the mentor group.

B. A list of recommended topics and activities will be provided, but mentor groups are encouraged to come up with their own topics to meet their own needs. We suggest that you set meetings at least once a month, but you are welcome to meet more frequently. The meetings need not be formal and can take place in many settings, such as lunch, at a bar function, in a practice setting (such as a law office or courthouse), or in a recreational setting. You also may wish to plan activities that do not involve the entire mentor group.

C. The focus of the mentoring program is professional, and the program is not intended to provide counseling unrelated to the law or legal profession. While members are encouraged to give guidance as to the nature, type, and location of practice, the Mentoring Program is not to be used as recruitment.