Mentorship
​
Process
The Mentorship Program's duration runs from the month of October of the current year to the month of September of the following year. This timeframe allows law students entering the new academic year to submit applications for the program and connect with a mentor throughout the academic year. Current membership with PALSD is required to participate in the program. After applying, law students will be paired with an attorney mentor. Mentors and mentees will receive communication regarding their respective mentor and mentee match, contact information, and upcoming events. A mentorship program kick-off event generally follows after this initial notification.
​
PALSD considers law students’ interests in specific areas of law and will make every effort to pair them with attorneys practicing in such areas or previously practiced in the same. Although the Mentorship Program is geared towards law students, PALSD may accept requests for mentors from new attorneys (0-3 years) to be connected with more seasoned attorneys when possible.
​
Guidelines
Throughout the program's duration, mentors and mentees are strongly encouraged to meet and attend community activities, local bar functions, and events presenting practical learning opportunities such as court hearings, lectures, etc. At a minimum, mentors and mentees must meet once during the program. Attorney mentors are encouraged to provide information regarding their area of practice, experience, and perspective on legal opportunities. PALSD recommends that attorney mentors take an active, personal interest in the development of the law student he or she is advising. PALSD encourages law students to seek guidance and day-to-day practical information from their assigned attorney mentors. The onus is on the law student to reach out and contact his/her mentor to schedule a time to meet. Law students are urged to take this opportunity and explore professional interests, questions, or concerns and draw on their mentor's experiences and knowledge while being respectful of their mentors' time.
​
Mentorship Committee - 2024
-
Board Co-Chair: James Hurt, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton
-
Board Co-Chair: Frank Ahn, Chair, Best Best & Krieger LLP
​
Questions?
Please direct questions regarding the Committee to JHurt@sheppardmullin.com.
​