2005 ALA Conference & Exposition
San Francisco, CA
Presented by Tracy LaLonde
Summarized by Dennis Mapes
I attended Ms. LaLonde's presentation because mentoring is one of those things that many organizations leave to happenstance but it really needs to have structure and planning to get optimal results. I would guess that there are many associates who aren't successful in their firms simply because the right partner didn't take them under their wing (so to speak). This seminar was about not leaving those relationships and potential relationships to chance.
BENEFITS OF MENTORING
Increased loyalty
Enhanced productivity
Sense of firm culture
Happy workforce
Increased retention
CAREER STAGES
Entry Stage — Learning the Ropes
Independent Contributor Stage — Making Your Mark
Advisor Stage — Contributing Through Others
Sponsor Stage — Leading Through Vision
ELEMENTS OF ANY MENTORING PROGRAM
Management commitment
Clear purpose or objectives
Examples:
Introduce new associates to everyone in the practice
Explain the "unwritten" rules of how to actually get things done
Explain all of the services that the firm can provide to clients
Encourage interaction between new associates
Facilitate confidence building through work assignments
Clearly defined program and procedures Define things like:
Matching process
Relationship duration
Frequency of meetings
Time commitment
Scope of the conversations
Budget
Kickoff/Introduction
Management and maintenance processes
Centralized or decentralized
Mentor identification
Program coordinator
Feedback mechanisms
Evaluation methods
Incentives/rewards
Training
CONTINUED PROGRAM SUPPORT AND MOTIVATION
Mentoring relationships are like any other relationship — they need continued effort to keep it going. Sometimes that effort can come from a third party, like a program coordinator or the firm. Here are some ways to support and motivate the program:
Training
Credit for time
Rewards
Compensation
Discussion groups for mentors
Retreats for mentors
Social events for mentors and protégés
Visible acknowledgement of mentors
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abbot, Ida, The Lawyer's Guide to Mentoring, National Association of Law Placement
(NALP), 2000.
Johnson, W. Brad and Charles R. Ridley, The Elements of Mentoring, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.
Kaye, Beverly, UP is Not the Only Way: A Guide to Developing Your Workforce Talent, Davies-Black Publishing, 1997.
Keeping the Keepers: Strategies for Associate Retention in Time of Attrition, National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Foundation for Research and Education, Washington, DC, 1998.
Perceptions and Partnership: The Allure & Accessibility of the Brass Ring,
National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Foundation for Research and Education, Washington, DC, 1998.
Simonsen, Peggy, Career Compass: Navigating Your Career Strategically in the New Century, Davies-Black Publishing, 2000.
