July-August 2006

New Attorneys

Mentoring helps new and experienced lawyers make the connection

by Robert J. Derocher

It used to be that law firm partners took new associates under their wing, giving them a "post-law school education" in how to practice. Increasing time pressures seem to be making this model less and less common ... and bar associations are stepping in to help fill the need for mentoring. Some states feel so strongly about the importance of mentoring programs, they're making them mandatory. Here's an inside look at some bars' successful programs.