Inside the Bar
January 2005

Program seeks volunteers to mentor law students, lawyers

Looking for an easy, fulfilling way to become involved with your State Bar? Consider volunteering to serve as a mentor in the Mentor Council Program. The program needs volunteer lawyers from a variety of practice sizes, types, and locations to serve as mentors to law students, new lawyers, and attorneys who may be exploring alternative legal careers. Specific high-need areas include international, business, criminal, and health law practice. The mentor program is statewide, but demand is especially brisk in the Madison and Milwaukee areas.

"Mentoring is rewarding for many reasons, the greatest of which is the opportunity to provide new entrants a realistic idea of operating a legal business," says attorney Mark F. Vannucci of Elm Grove, who has served as a mentor for several years. "Another important reason for mentoring is the return opportunity to learn about ideas being formulated by individuals as yet unfamiliar with the practice of law. I have also brought students to hearings so they can have realistic expectations of the court process as well. The program has great value to student and mentor."

Mentors answer questions and provide insight and perspectives on career options and general legal career information. Discussions between a mentor and protégé can focus on career goals, types of legal practice, and economic and lifestyle issues. Matches are specifically designed to provide opportunities for one-on-one discussions between mentors and protégés. Mentors do not provide substantive and procedural information regarding specific legal issues.

For more information or to receive an application:

• www.wisbar.org/bar/mentguide.html
• contact the State Bar at (800) 728-7788 or (608) 257-3838

Inside the Bar