How often have we heard, or said ourselves, that law school does not prepare students for the practical aspects of practicing law? Many students enter law school with a limited understanding of the various and different career paths someone with a legal education can take or what their obligation will be with respect to pro bono service in the public interest. Often times, questions about particular areas of practice, types of employers, or geographic regions are most effectively addressed by an attorney or other legal professional in the field. Graduates have valuable insights and experiences to contribute. Students are anxious to know what it is like to practice law on a daily basis. The willingness to share perceptions and advice with students is the key to the program’s success.

Program Guidelines

• Mentors are not expected to find employment for students; rather they are asked to address questions regarding their practice from current or prospective students.
• The purpose of the program is to give the student a realistic impression of what the practice of law or use of a law degree in a non-traditional or non-practicing setting is like with respect to a particular area of practice, geographic region or type of employer.

The Role of a Mentor

• Arrange to speak with the student within a reasonable time.
• Make every attempt to keep all appointments; if this is not possible, contact the student in advance to reschedule.
• Be candid in discussing views of the pros and cons of your practice or work situation.
• Discuss professional development activities and pro bono service.
• Provide the student with an honest assessment of stated career goals.
• Explore alternate methods with the student for reaching those goals.
• Offer suggestions with respect to job solicitation, interviewing, networking, etc.
• Identify issues that the student has not considered which are likely to be confronted by an attorney in your area of practice.
• Suggest ways for the student to adapt his/her law school experience to facilitate the achievement of career goals.

The Professonal Network Career Mentor Program is administered by the PCDC. Information is entered into the Networking module of Symplicity. Mentors will remain active as long as they wish to participate in the program, and may log into the system and update their profiles as needed.

If you are interested in becoming a Career Mentor, please click here.