Notes From the President & CEO
A MENTOR IS AN INVALUABLE PART OF YOUR EDUCATION
DIVERSITY & THE BAR’S EDUCATION ISSUE SHOWS THAT PEOPLE NEVER STOP LEARNING. Lawyers move on to new careers, law schools adapt to challenging times, and every year another corps of bright young students matriculates into law school and, hopefully, the legal workforce. No matter where you are in your career, it is
valuable to have a mentor. Even as seasoned attorneys retire they often call their mentors for advice on retirement. It is an evergreen relationship. One of my mentors, Vernon Jordan, advises me on more issues than you can imagine. I am also fortunate to pay it back to younger law
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students and attorneys. Tere is no formula for being a good mentee, but I wanted to share some thoughts on what a mentor expects from a mentee.
1. Te “goldilocks” style of periodic contact is the best approach. Don’t reach out too often, or too much, but every once in a while.
2. Express interest in the mentor’s life and career before asking for help. A simple “How are you?” or “Congratulations on the new job” can go a long way.
3. Make reasonable requests. “Can you help me get an internship?” is reasonable. “Can you hire me?” is not.
4. Follow through. I don’t want to expend my time and political capital on someone who won’t capital- ize on the opportunity.
5. Report back on how it worked out. I’m curious! 6. Always say “Tank you.” You’d be surprised how many people forget this simple step.
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President & CEO Joseph K. West
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DIVERSITY & THE BAR® MAY/JUNE 2013 MCCA® Staff
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7. Keep the email chain intact. By stacking emails I am immediately oriented as to who you are and where we stand.
8. Establish a track record. Tere should be a mutual third party who can vouch for your work.
9. Do your homework. Check out the internship or firms where you want to work before asking for help.
10. Take the first step. Te most important thing that you can do is go up to your potential mentor and strike up a conversation. Who knows where it can lead?
Most successful lawyers have had mentors and are eager to return the favor. I hope you enjoy this issue on education and can use it to further your career, wherever you may be.
JOSEPH K. WEST President & CEO
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