Oct. 7, 2015 – Experienced lawyers have an opportunity to help guide the next generation.
The State Bar of Wisconsin is piloting a new program, Ready.Set.Practice, to address the needs of new lawyers admitted to practice in the state.
Wanted: Lawyers in these 13 Counties
Mentors are currently being sought in the counties of Columbia, Dane, Dodge, La Crosse, Lincoln, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oneida, Rusk, Sauk, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago. If you have practiced in the legal profession for six or more years, are in one of these counties, and are interested in serving as a mentor in the pilot program, apply by Oct. 15.
Ready.Set.Practice. matches a lawyer having six years or more of experience within the legal profession with new lawyers practicing for five years or less. The program developed from a consortium of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, and the Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company.
This pilot project is a first step in launching a statewide program in January 2017 that will be available for every new lawyer.
Pilot Program Needs Mentors
Mentors are urged to apply to participate in the program by Oct. 15. During its initial phase, the program will involve 25 mentees and mentors.
The success of any mentoring program depends on the commitment of both the mentors and the new lawyers. The selection and matching process will be coordinated among the Mentoring Subcommittees of the Young Lawyers Division, and the Challenges to New Lawyers and Leadership Development committees.
Mentors will:
Introduce the new lawyer to the legal community in their geographical area;
Provide valuable assistance in moving from law school to legal practice;
Offer the opportunity to learn practical skills needed for the practice of law;
Provide the new lawyer with an experienced lawyer to turn to with procedural or ethical questions;
Enhance the competence, reputation, and professionalism of the new lawyer; and
Expand the new lawyer’s personal network and increase career satisfaction.
How Do I Become a Mentor?
Check out the Ready.Set.Practice Mentoring Handbook, designed to help you be a good mentor. Suggested activities will make your involvement meaningful. The handbook includes suggestions and guides, including:
How to Apply to the Program
To apply, complete the mentor application and submit it to Kris Wenzel at the State Bar by Oct. 15, 2015. Those who are selected will be encouraged to attend a short webinar training, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 15, 2015.