We can all think of a time in our careers when a mentor made a difference. Whether it was advice on how to handle a deposition, what to wear to a job interview, or to how to ask for a raise, the guidance of a lawyer who had been there before made all the difference in the world. From retired Chief Justice Woodie Jones to Professor Tracy McCormack and past Austin Bar President JoAnn Merica, I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by mentors to help me along the way during my career.
Be a Mentor
Mentorship doesn’t require a career-long commitment; it can be something as easy as a coffee or lunch. But it does require accessibility, authenticity, and honesty.
I remember Woodie Jones sitting across from me at the Spaghetti Warehouse at an Inn of Court mentorship lunch (now 15 years ago) and simply saying, “I am Woodie Jones, and I am running to be the chief of the Third Court of Appeals. Chari, what do you want to do?” That moment made me feel instantly at ease and inspired. I never would have approached him and asked for his guidance, but when he opened himself up to hear about my goals, it changed the dynamic. It gave me access to him as a mentor. He was authentic with me about his past career experiences and how they shaped his decisions. And finally, he gave, and continues to give, honest feedback about my career. Ironically, years later he would cover for me at the Third Court of Appeals when I went on maternity leave for the birth of my daughter.
With that example in mind, think about ways in which you can open yourself up to be a mentor to a less experienced attorney. You can start by attending an Austin Bar event and, rather than chatting with the old familiars, strike up a conversation with a younger attorney. You’ll see them off to the side, wondering if they should have attended since they are new to the profession and don’t know anyone. Offer to take a newer coworker for coffee. Also remember that lawyers of any age can be sustaining members of AYLA and attend their events—another great place to find a mentee.
Find a Mentor
If you are looking for a mentor, first start by making a list of the lawyers you admire. It can be for any reason, whether it’s how they argued a case or how they dressed for the argument. Then ask them if they’d be willing to meet with you. Most lawyers are willing to share their experiences (many won’t stop talking about them). I once asked a local lawyer to lunch and started off the conversation with, “You have my dream job—how can I be like you?” It led to a wonderful conversation.
If someone doesn’t immediately respond to you, don’t be offended and have a little patience. The longer you are in this profession, generally the busier you are. Reach out again. Your email or call may have just been lost in the shuffle of a day in the life of a litigator. And if they don’t have time, thank them for their honesty and contact someone else.
Resources
If you want more help getting matched with someone either as a mentor or mentee, there are several local programs in town that offer formal mentorship programs:
Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association matches Mentors (licensed five years or more) with a Mentee in their first five years of practice according to respective backgrounds and legal interests. The Mentors and Mentees will develop a mentoring relationship throughout the year and will be able to discuss career and personal goals, as well as methods to improve legal skills, adjust to the challenges of law practice, and explore new legal career options.
The nine-month program requires a commitment of about one hour per month and will consist of alternating lunch CLE programs and Mentor-Mentee small group meetings. The program begins in September 2023 and will conclude in June 2024.
Any TCWLA member interested in participating as a Mentor or as a Mentee should visit tcwla.org or email co-chairs Neha Paymaster at npaymaster@emaustin.com or Sherine Thomas at sherine@sherinethomaslaw.com. Application materials must be submitted by September 15, 2023.
The University of Texas School of Law matches local Texas Law alumni with 1Ls in their spring semester of law school. The program runs from January-May and begins with a reception to meet your mentee and includes resources and events for connecting throughout the semester. You can sign up or learn more at https://law.utexas.edu/mentoring/ or by emailing mentoring@law.utexas.edu. Applications open in the fall.
The Texas Board of Law Examiners seeks local attorney mentors in all practice areas for Texas bar candidates who have a probationary license. Mentors should have practiced for at least five years and must meet with their mentee every two weeks during the probationary period. Please contact Austin Bar Executive Director DeLaine Ward at DeLaine@austinbar.org for more information.
Young Women’s Alliance (YWA) Connect Program connects women who are established community leaders and professionals with YWA Members to help empower the next generation of female leaders. The program includes a Mentorship Training Program, Mentor/Mentee networking events, and a YWA Slack group to help YWA Connect participants to learn from one another. Applications open in September. If you are interested in participating, visit https://youngwomensalliance.org/ywa-connect/ or the Senior YWA Connect chair, at ywaconnect@youngwomensalliance.org.