Mentorship in Law: What It Really Looks Like (and Why It Matters)

Last Friday, I attended my first NALSC (National Association of Legal Search Consultants) conference. The event reminded me how fortunate I have been to have mentors at every stage of my career, from studying for the LSAT and applying to law school, to leaving practice and becoming a career consultant. NALSC also gave me the chance to find new mentors in the consulting space, alongside my two long-standing mentors, Sean Burke and Jordan Rosenberg.

When I started practicing law, I thought mentorship meant attaching myself to the smartest partner in the room and hoping wisdom would rub off. Spoiler: it doesn’t work like that.

The truth is, most lawyers misunderstand mentorship. It is not about formal coffee chats or waiting for someone to “take you under their wing.” Real mentorship looks different at each stage of your career, and being flexible is the best way to reap the rewards.

Why Mentorship Matters

Law, like many professions, is an apprenticeship. We do not really learn to be lawyers in law school. The real learning begins as soon as you become a first-year associate. This can be daunting. You may be able to draft a solid research memo, but someone still needs to show you the bigger picture, mark up your drafts (we have all received that all-red document from a partner, a necessary ego death for juniors), and teach you how to interact with opposing counsel and clients.

A good mentor does not just hand you answers; they give you perspective. And eventually, you pass that perspective down to the next generation.

The right mentor can:

• Save you from mistakes they already made, or guide you through mistakes you make.

• Tell you the hard truths that never make it into performance reviews.

• Remind you that even the most polished lawyer once felt like an imposter.

I did not practice for long, but I leaned on my mentors often. They were the ones who answered my late-night calls when I thought I had made a grave mistake. Because as a first year, everything feels like life or death.

How to Actually Find a Mentor

Here is the first myth to ditch: mentors do not have to be corner-office partners. Some of the best ones are just a few years ahead of you, close enough to remember your struggles and far enough to have meaningful advice.

The second myth: mentorship must be formal. One of my longest-standing mentors (now a dear friend) was a teammate on my varsity figure skating team. Our relationship turned into a mentorship naturally, when I shared that I was thinking about applying to law school. She became a sounding board throughout my career, even though we never worked at the same firm.

A photo from my varsity figure skating days, where I met one of my long standing mentors. She's standing right behind me in this picture.

The key is to start small. Do not walk up to someone and ask, “Will you be my mentor?” That is not a proposal you need to stage. Instead:

• Ask for coffee and learn more about their experience.

• Send a quick message about one specific issue.

• See if the conversation flows.

If it does, keep it going. If not, move on. Mentorship should feel natural, not forced. And remember, different mentors will serve different purposes at different times.

Spotting the Real Thing

So how do you know you have found a good mentor? Look for people who:

• Make time, even if it is just 15 minutes. If someone cannot make the time, don’t take it personally. Respect that boundary. Lawyers are busy people.

• Share advice without turning every chat into their own highlight reel (though personal stories can still be powerful lessons).

• Push you to grow, while supporting you when you stumble.

• Respect that your career path may not look like theirs. A good mentor understands that there are many valid ways to build a career.

Finding the right mentor is a bit like dating: it takes some trial and error, and you have to ride the wave.

Being a Mentor (Yes, Even You)

Another myth: only senior lawyers can be mentors. Not true. If you are an articling student, you can mentor a law student. If you are a junior associate, you can mentor a summer student.

Mentorship is not about hierarchy. It is about generosity. And when you teach, you learn.

The Bottom Line

Law is demanding. At some point, you will feel out of your depth, overwhelmed, or convinced you do not belong. That is when mentorship matters most. Remember that different people will come into your life at different stages, and each can offer you valuable lessons.

Find your people. Learn from them. And when the time comes, be that person for someone else.

What is the best (or worst) lesson a mentor ever gave you?

I'm always available for a chat. You can reach me at mahta@whistlerpartners.com.