The Interactive Mentor Forum has been described as “speed dating” because volunteer AWL mentors – in pairs or a small group – are chosen to discuss a particular topic and students rotate to visit each discussion group. Conversations are brief and the goal is to introduce students to mentors so that participants gain insight in each group and make further contact later based on the students’ individual interests.
Forum conversation groups cover a wide variety of topics, including work/family balance, opportunities in nontraditional legal careers, practicing in a big firm, marketing and other challenges of solo practitioners and lawyers practicing in small firms, how to handle career transitions, and rainmaking. There is no obligation for volunteer mentors to follow-up, but the best outcomes are often based on contacts made after the formal event.
Register to participate in the Forum, either as a mentor (attorneys and judges) or as a mentee (students). Attorneys with less than five years of experience will be partnered with more experienced attorney mentors. Their participation as mentors provides a distinct perspective for students, and they will undoubtedly pick up great advice and make connections with other volunteer mentors as well.