May 21, 2025 – Mary Ferwerda believes mentorship is one of the most important – and fulfilling – roles a lawyer can take on.

Ferwerda, Chief Deputy Clerk of Circuit Court in Milwaukee County and former longtime director of the Milwaukee Justice Center, was named the 2025 Outstanding Mentor of the Year by the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Young Lawyers Division. In a recent interview, she reflected on the values, challenges, and joys of mentoring in the legal profession – and how it has shaped her own journey.

Mentors Help Others See Something in Themselves

The legal profession can be intimidating – especially for young lawyers. Ferwerda knows this firsthand, and she emphasizes the importance of support and belief in those early stages.

“I have had some amazing mentors in my life that have helped to guide me through both interesting opportunities and challenging experiences … one of the things that I have always appreciated is mentors seeing something in me that I don't see in myself.”

She believes mentors play a critical role in helping new attorneys grow into confident professionals.

“To help them see that they do have skills, that they are doing things well, and to help shape and refine their vision of themselves, but also the work that they're doing to benefit our community.”

Mentors Create a Place of Encouragement

When asked what makes a good mentor, Ferwerda points to listening, curiosity, and humility.

“Our first inclination is often just to tell them what to do and how to do it, [but] that's not a great approach,” says Ferwerda.

Instead, she encourages mentors to listen deeply and ask thoughtful questions. “In addition to listening skills, asking great questions … helps them gain, get to the places that they need to get to as well.”

Sharing one’s own struggles is also key. “It’s okay to share your vulnerabilities and the things that you struggled with,” says Ferwerda. “It makes you human. It provides a place of connection.”

By “not only sharing where it was challenging, but what you learned from it,” you can help someone “kind of move through a similar situation for themselves.”

Be Open to the People

Mentorship opportunities don’t just happen inside a law office. Ferwerda encourages young lawyers to get involved in their communities.

“Your firm or wherever you're working is a great place to look. If that doesn't seem like it's going to work for you, then get involved with the State Bar or the local bar association where you are.”

And once you meet someone who you can learn from, don’t be afraid to follow up.

“Don't hesitate to say, ‘I really had a great conversation with you. Would you mind if we met up again? Could we have coffee sometime?’,” says Ferwerda. “No one is going to tell you no.”

Ferwerda recalls a powerful moment of encouragement from incoming American Bar Association President Michelle Behnke. “Her response was so beautiful. She said, ‘I don't want to stand in a corner all by myself. I want to talk to people. Please come and talk to me’.”

“What You Get Back Is So Phenomenal”

Mentorship isn’t just about helping others. Ferwerda says the rewards go both ways.

“Not only are you giving to other people, but what you get back from that is so phenomenal.”

She’s been working with law students and new lawyers for nearly three decades – and the impact never gets old. “To watch the young people now leading the Young Lawyers Division, taking on important cases and speaking in front of the Supreme Court, building their own firms … it just makes me cheer,” says Ferwerda.

“Leave a Place of Light and Welcome”

Ferwerda closes with an image that captures the heart of her approach to mentorship:

“One of my favorite visuals is this sense of someone making their way through, and behind them is just a place of light and welcome. And I really hope that that's the kind of experience that people have when they encounter me.”

Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or just beginning your legal journey, Ferwerda’s message is clear: reach back and help others come with you.

“It is the most important role you can play in your profession. And it’s a critical role. … Be open. Be open to the people. Be open to the conversations. And ask great questions.”

Celebrate these Leaders in the Law Making a Difference

They are members of the legal community who make a difference – by living a lifetime of service, mentoring others, offering their pro bono services, and going the extra mile. Congratulations to these award recipients, all leaders in the legal profession. Read on...

These award recipients will be honored in person at the Member Recognition Celebration during the State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference, June 18-20, in Madison.