Mentoring

Mentoring

The firm is committed to the mentoring and support of our students and associates. Our National Associate Mentoring Program focuses on the differing needs of associates at junior and senior practice levels. The program begins with a traditional mentoring relationship focused on the skill development and experience necessary in the early years of practice. Our more senior associates are paired with a “Career Mentor” to help guide their career development on the path to partnership.

Mentoring includes many forms of development, such as coaching, instructing, training, demonstrating and role modeling. Mentors provide feedback that is critical for developing legal expertise and to help you navigate the firm. Mentors help you to get the right work from the right people. Training our partners and lawyers in delivering effective feedback is a priority for our firm.

Our National Mentoring Month includes mentor training as well as the presentation of “Mentor of the Year” awards, which recognize and celebrate the lawyers across the firm who have made a significant positive impact on the professional experience of our students and associates.

As a student, you will be assigned a principal and/or a mentor (depending on the office), who will provide general assistance, support and guidance throughout your summer and articling period. This approach allows you to pursue interesting and challenging work in various practice areas throughout the firm. The Director of Student Programs for your region will also assist you throughout your summer and articles, acting as a general co-ordinator for program activities.

Our Student Directors work with our Advisor on Talent Development to create the best possible mentoring experience for you by facilitating the first meeting with the assigned pairs to help set goals for the relationship and establish mutual expectations, and talk about the feedback you want and need.

Mentoring is not limited to formal mentoring, and all partners are expected to invest in talent development.