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The Power of Mentorship: Lessons I Learned from My Mentor

confidence growth performance productivity

Great mentoring can change everything, and I’ve experienced that firsthand.

When I arrived at the University of Pennsylvania to pursue my master’s in social work, I felt like I had landed on another planet. I wasn’t just out of my comfort zone—I couldn’t even see it in the rearview mirror. Moving from my small hometown of 950 people in rural northern Illinois to the vibrant, diverse community of West Philadelphia was a culture shock in every possible way. 

Right away, I questioned whether I had made the right decision. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for the big city or an Ivy League education. Everyone else seemed so much more worldly, brilliant, and confident - like they just belonged. I was sure they could see right through me, and that I clearly wasn’t “one of them.”

But then came Dr. Louise Shoemaker.

I was fortunate to have been assigned an incredible mentor - Dr. Louise Shoemaker, the former dean of the School of Social Work. Her colleagues described her as a “strong, caring, and no-nonsense educator,” and they were absolutely right. 

At first, I was completely intimidated - she was the former dean, for heaven’s sake! But Dr. Shoemaker had an uncanny ability to challenge me in ways I never expected. She pushed me to broaden my worldview, question my assumptions, and see potential in myself that I had never recognized before.

I entered the program feeling like a fish out of water - uncertain and overwhelmed - but with her support, I grew in confidence and self-belief. Even when she corrected or challenged me (which taught me how to receive feedback - which I wasn’t terribly good at), I knew it was because she cared deeply and wanted me to reach my full potential. I’m forever grateful for her mentorship, which shaped not only my education but also my approach to life and career.

Dr. Shoemaker’s impact on my life is a constant reminder of just how powerful mentorship can be. When I think of mentorship and the incredible impact it can have, I think of her. I don’t think I’d be where I am without her presence in my life, and we stayed in touch until she passed away about ten years ago.

And that’s why National Mentoring Month in January feels so meaningful to me. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the importance of mentorship in the legal profession. Whether you’ve been practicing for decades or you’re just starting out, having—or being—a mentor can make all the difference.

Let’s face it - the legal profession is tough. Like, “chew you up, spit you out” tough. The long hours, the high stakes, the constant pressure; it’s a lot. But having someone in your corner who’s been through it all can be a game-changer. A great mentor can help you navigate the complexities of your career, provide valuable perspective, and - let’s be honest - sometimes just remind you that you’re not alone in this.

 

Why Mentoring Matters in Law

Mentorship isn’t just a nice idea; it’s essential to building a fulfilling and sustainable career. And it’s a win-win for everyone involved:

  • For organizations, mentoring helps create a culture where people feel supported and valued. Firms with strong mentoring programs see better retention, higher engagement, and stronger leaders.
  • For mentors, it’s a chance to give back, share hard-earned wisdom, and gain fresh insights from newer professionals who bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. Plus, there’s something deeply rewarding about seeing someone else grow with a little guidance from you.
  • For mentees, it’s an opportunity to learn the unspoken rules of the profession, gain confidence, and get clarity on what’s next in their careers. A good mentor can open doors, offer honest advice, and provide encouragement when it’s needed most.

 

How to Be a Great Mentor

If you’re in a position to mentor someone - even informally - here’s how to do it well:

  1. Be present. Your time is valuable, and so is theirs. Even a short, meaningful check-in can have a big impact.
  2. Share the real stuff. Your mentee doesn’t just need to hear about your wins; they need to know about the struggles too. Real talk is what helps people grow.
  3. Listen first. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen and let them talk through their challenges and ideas.
  4. Encourage, but challenge. Support your mentee, but also push them outside their comfort zone. That’s where real growth happens.
  5. Celebrate their progress. Whether it’s a big career move or just a small win, acknowledging progress keeps the momentum going.

 

How to Be a Great Mentee

Being a mentee isn’t just about soaking up wisdom—it’s about showing up and making the most of the opportunity. Here’s how:

  1. Be proactive. Reach out, set up the meetings, and come prepared with questions or topics to discuss.
  2. Know what you need. Think about your goals and challenges so your mentor can help in the right ways.
  3. Be open to feedback. Growth isn’t always comfortable, but honest feedback is gold.
  4. Respect their time. Show up on time, follow up, and be appreciative of the guidance you’re getting.
  5. Pay it forward. Even if you’re early in your career, there’s always someone who can benefit from what you’ve learned.

 

Mentoring: It’s a Culture, Not Just a Program

The best legal organizations don’t treat mentoring as just a one-off program—it’s part of their culture. Whether it’s through formal mentoring relationships or informal connections over coffee, having a culture of mentoring helps everyone feel more connected and supported.

So, as we celebrate National Mentoring Month, take a moment to think about your own experience. 

Who’s helped you along the way? 

Who could you support right now? 

Whether you’re offering guidance or seeking it, mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we can all contribute to a stronger, more supportive legal profession.

Let’s make mentoring a priority - not just this month, but all year long.


 

Recommended Resources

[Article] The Best Mentorships Help Both People Grow by David Nour | Harvard Business Review

[Article] The Power Of Mentorship: How Mentors Can Help Employees Grow And Succeed | Forbes

[Video] The Power of Mentoring by Reggie Nelson | TED Talk

[Video] How to be a Great Mentor by Kenneth Ortiz | TED Talk


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