Summary of Survey Results
Survey Background
The Commission on Professionalism administers Internet-based surveys to its Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring participants. Responses are anonymous unless a lawyer chooses to provide contact information at the end of his or her survey. The results below are from the November 2011 group, which ended its mentoring term Dec. 31, 2012.
Benefits to New Lawyers
- 96 percent said they are better equipped to deal with ethical and professionalism considerations in their daily practice
- 94 percent said they learned about legal customs
- 92 percent said they are better prepared for the practice of law
- 92 percent said they have more practical knowledge about the practice of law
- 87 percent said they built collegial relationships with other members of the bar
New Lawyers' Endorsements
- 99 percent would recommend the program to other new lawyers
- 97 percent would recommend to another lawyer that they choose their mentor as one of their mentor nominations
- 99 percent said the program met their goals
Benefits to Mentors
- 85 percent said that their participation contributed to an increase in their professionalism
- 76 percent said that their participation contributed to an increase in job satisfaction
Mentors' Endorsements
- 99 percent said that they would recommend the program to other experienced practitioners
Continuing Mentoring Beyond the End of the Term
- 96 percent of new lawyers said they believed they would maintain a relationship with their mentor after the term concludes
- 95 percent of mentors said they believed they would maintain a relationship with their new lawyer after the term concludes
Responses to the Open-Ended Question, “What has been the greatest benefit of your participation in mentoring?”
New Lawyers
- “It allowed me to know I always had an individual there willing to help me and offer me advice and encouragement through my first year of practice.”
- “I appreciate that my mentor really desires to see me succeed. He has facilitated introductions with other attorneys and is always willing to answer any questions.”
- “I enjoyed several networking opportunities, as well as frank discussion about the realities of law practice.”
- “It gave me a chance to ask the questions I had about being a new lawyer in a safe environment without any judgment.”
- “It's just a wonderful experience. I felt comfortable asking my mentor questions related to law that I normally would not feel comfortable asking my superiors in the office.”
- “Having an experienced lawyer with a similar background guide me through the first year of practice. I fully intend to lean on my mentor in the future for guidance.”
- “Learning/getting advice from an experienced lawyer was the greatest benefit. Practical experience is not taught in law school, so it was nice to be able to speak candidly about real issues that lawyers face on a regular basis and how to handle such situations.”
- “Having a ‘safe haven’ to discuss office politics and career goals. My mentor was great at introducing me to an area of law in which I don't practice. I also learned a lot about dealing with opposing counsel and support staff, as well as insight into navigating the challenges of being a new young adult attorney.”
- “This was a fantastic way for me to build a solid foundation to begin my career. It has helped me tremendously in building up the confidence needed to perform adequately in the court room.”
Mentors
- “Satisfaction of knowing that I helped a young lawyer become a better lawyer.”
- “The greatest benefit is to remind myself what it is like for newer attorneys, which helps me in my firm when I'm relating to younger attorneys.”
- “The mentoring process made me become more involved in the legal profession. I attended more bar association events that I ever have. Additionally, I will continue contact with my mentee to assist her in any way with her professional development.”
- “I feel like I can give something back; I also find that I learn new things depending on the topics chosen by the mentee. It's just good to have a new lawyer's perspective -- it reminds you how far you've come and teaches you that there are always things to learn!”
- “Contributing to a new generation of lawyers and trying to impress upon them that this is still a profession and not just a business.”
- “It caused me to verbalize and articulate my thoughts about the practice, which prompted further reflection.”lity check, and my mentee is a wonderful individual. I am glad I was able to spend so much time with her!”
- “I really enjoyed passing on advice and answering questions. It was nice to feel I was helping a new lawyer. When I started out I had no one mentoring me and it was difficult learning the ropes. I learned by making mistakes that I probably could have avoided had I had someone take the time to mentor me.”
- “I have a new friend, and I have more insight into the challenges facing young attorneys.”