The Mentor Influence

"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you."–Bob Proctor

🌟 How much faster could you rise to the top with the right mentor by your side?

In the legal profession, the right mentor is a bit like starting a 100-metre race 50 metres ahead–significantly shortening your path to success.

Just think of all those shared contacts and networking opportunities they open up! Plus, they can be a trusted voice to help steer your career path in the right direction, offer you practical support and advocate for you with superiors. A mentorship is also shown to improve job satisfaction.

But how common are mentorship programmes in law firms?

Mentoring can vary widely. Some firms have well-structured mentorship schemes, while others, especially smaller firms, might offer a buddy system where you're paired with a more experienced colleague when you join.

But what if there isn’t a mentorship programme?

There’s nothing stopping you from seeking mentors outside your firm. For example, Steve Jobs famously reached out to Bob Hewlett, founder of Hewlett-Packard, when he was just 12, which led to a future job with the company.

While we don’t recommend hunting for home contact details, networking is always beneficial, especially at the start of your legal career.

Have you had a mentor who has made a difference?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💬