MentoringManual

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Table of ContentsIntroduction Page 3

FAWL Chapters Map Page 6

2013-2014 FAWL Executive Officers Page 7

Purpose & Goals of Mentoring Page 8

How to Create a Chapter Mentoring Committee Page 9

FAWL Chapter Mentoring Programs Page 10

Additional Mentoring Programs Page 24

Mentoring Resources Page 33

Edited by Twyla Sketchley,

2013-2014 FAWL Ad Hoc Mentoring Committee Chair

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Introduction

About FAWLFounded in 1951, the Florida Association for Women Lawyers strives to propel women lawyers into economic, social and leadership spheres of power. We are excited to share with you that FAWL is focused on providing even more value added member benefits including FREE CLE programming, a bi-annual Journal and networking opportunities and much more.  

The connectivity, resources, information and benefits that FAWL offers our members are invaluable during these tough economic times.  Most importantly, membership in your local Chapter provides a unique opportunity to help you propel your career to the next level of success.  At the local level, you will be able to: 

Connect with an already established community of women lawyers all dedicated to each other's success.

Attend local events and seminars that provide networking and career development opportunities.

Make your voice heard in the economic, social and leadership spheres of influence. Access resources and benefits that bring bottom-line benefits to your practice. 

Don't miss out on being part of a powerful community of women professionals by joining FAWL today!  

We welcome inquiries. To contact the association's state office, call or write us at:

Florida Association for Women LawyersPost Office Box 3228Lantana, Florida 33465-3228866.241-3295 (FAWL)admin@fawl.org

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Our MissionTo actively promote gender equality and the leadership roles of FAWL’s members in the legal profession, judiciary and community at large. To achieve these goals, FAWL will uphold the highest standard of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession, promote reform in law, and facilitate administration of justice.

History of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers

In June 30, 1951, a group of Florida women lawyers met in Miami Beach, Florida.   A committee, chaired by Anna Brenner Meyers, including several women lawyers from out of state was formed.  Mattie Belle Davis presided at the breakfast meeting.   Gladys Irene White presented panels on "Problems of Law Office Management" and "Parliamentary Law as a Tool for Lawyers."  Anna Brenner Meyers presided at the luncheon, at which Mary Zimmerman, First Vice President of the National Association of Women Lawyers, addressed the group.  Her subject was  "The Women Lawyers' Part in the World Today".  The Honorable George E. Hold, Senior Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, Dade County, also addressed the group. Vivian L. Schaeffer served as Registration Chair. At the conclusion of the meeting, a Resolution by Emma Roesing was adopted to organize the Florida Association of Women Lawyers.   Anna Brenner Meyers was elected FAWL's first president.

On June 7, 1952, in Miami Beach, Florida the group adopted a Constitution and Bylaws of the FAWL which provided:

Its objects shall be to advance the science of jurisprudence, to promote reform in the law, to facilitate the administration of justice, to uphold the highest standard of integrity,  learning, honor and courtesy in the legal profession, and to cultivate a spirit of cordiality and fellowship among the members of the Bar and between them and the Bench.

Women members of The Florida Bar were eligible for membership in the Association.  There were mid-year and annual meetings.  Today, the annual meeting and midyear meeting is held in conjunction with the annual meeting and midyear meeting of The Florida Bar.

Beginning in 1972 officers were elected to serve for two year terms but the Association reverted to one-year terms when the Bylaws were amended on June 16, 1979, at a meeting at Walt Disney World, Orlando, to provide that the term of officers should be one year.

At a meeting on March 1, 1980 in Ft. Lauderdale, the Bylaws were amended 4 | P a g e

to provide for local chapters of the Association. Currently FAWL has 29 chapters across the state from Pensacola to Miami.

On January 19, 1981, the Constitution and Bylaws were amended to change the name to Florida Association for Women Lawyers; to provide that members of the Bar of any state (male and female) who support the goals of the Association are eligible for full membership in the Association; and to provide:

Its objects shall be to advance the science of jurisprudence, to promote reform in the law, to facilitate the administration of justice, to uphold the highest standard of integrity, learning, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession.

FAWL and its local chapters focus upon the professional advancement of women lawyers specifically and the promotion of women's rights generally.  To accomplish these closely related goals, FAWL provides a statewide forum for the exchange of political views, public and private sector employment opportunities, and continuing legal and management education.

In keeping with its objectives, FAWL was a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and raised funds for the ratification of ERA in Florida.

By organizing and working together in FAWL, women lawyers have enhanced their visibility within the legal profession and in their communities and increased their communication with one another.  Through the statewide meetings of FAWL, which are now held quarterly, the annual retreat, and the monthly meetings of local chapters, members are provided with formal opportunities to share information. The meetings also present opportunities for women lawyers throughout the state to meet and form networks as they forge better working relationships.   Information is also disseminated to members through the bi-annual FAWL Journal, 10 monthly E-Newsletters and the FAWL website.  An attorney locator available through the FAWL website assists members with referrals and networking.

As the number of women lawyers grows from year to year, their strength and effectiveness can be increased by working together as members of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

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FAWL Chapter Map

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2013-2014 Executive OfficersPRESIDENT Brittany MaxeyMaxey Law Offices, PLLC15500 Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 305Clearwater, FL 33760727-230-4949 Fax: 727-230-4827 b.maxey @ m a xeyiplaw.com

JOURNAL EDITOR Kathryn Lancaster Edward Jones220 - 2 North Main StreetChiefland, FL32626352-493-4948 Fax: 888-619-8579 kathryn.lancaster@edwardjones.com

PRESIDENT-ELECT Robin BreskyLaw Offices of Robin Bresky7777 Glades Road Suite 205Boca Raton, FL 33434561-994-6273 Fax: 561–245-4698 rb resky@ b reskyappellate.c om

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Sullivan Davis GUILDAY, SCHWARTZ, SIMPSON, WEST, HATCH & LOWE, P.A.1983 Centre Pointe Blvd, Suite 200Tallahassee, Florida 32308850.701.4335 Fax: 850.222.2593 j en@guildaylaw.com

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Laura WendellWeiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza

Cole & Boniske

2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Ste. 700Coral Gables, FL 33134305-854-0800 Fax: 305–854-2323 lwendell@w s h- law.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Kim HastingsKim M. Hastings, P.A.23241 Marsh Landing Blvd. Estero, FL 33928239-947-9195 Fax: 800-851-7484kmhastings@kmhlegal.com

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Kristin NorseKynes Markman & Felman, PA100 S. Ashley Drive Suite

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORStephanie Harriett-WartenbergFourth Judicial Circuit, Probate Division501 West Adams Street Room 6133Jacksonville, Florida 322027 | P a g e

Purposes & Goals of MentoringThere are many purposes and goals of mentoring. Each chapter’s Mentoring Committee must determine what the purpose and goal of the mentoring program. FAWL’s mission is to promote gender equality in the legal profession, the judiciary and community at large. This should be the underlying goal of all chapter mentoring programs. In addition, here are additional goals and purposes to guide the development of chapter mentoring programs:

Promote diversity in the legal profession and the judiciary. Promote diversity in leadership in local and state government. Promote the advancement of women in the legal profession and the

judiciary. Develop leadership skills for women in the legal profession. Develop pathways for advancement for women in the legal profession and

judiciary. Provide role models for women in the legal profession and judiciary. Develop professional relationships within the legal profession and judiciary. Provide young women with mentors who can provide them with guidance

throughout their professional career. Provide members with options for balancing work and life. Provide professionalism and ethics training for members. Develop opportunities for members to develop leadership skills. Expose members to alternative career paths. Promote and encourage expertise among members. Promote and encourage member involvement in the community. Create an understanding of how leadership opportunities become available

within the legal profession and the judiciary. Dispel myths about women in leadership roles in the legal profession, the

judiciary, and the community. Create a support network for women in the legal profession and the

judiciary. Assist members in career advancement and development.

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How to Create a Chapter Mentoring Committee

To create a chapter Mentoring Committee, review you chapter by-laws to determine if there is already a Mentoring Committee authorized. If so, follow the requirements of the by-laws in appointing or electing a chair and populating the committee with members.

If your chapter by-laws do not authorize a Mentoring Committee, determine whether the by-laws allow formation of Ad Hoc committees and what the procedure for creating those committees is. If not, you may have to take the idea of a Mentoring Committee to your chapter Executive Council for direction of approval.

No matter the Mentoring Committee must be created, it will need three things:

1. A chapter member who will serve as the Chair; 2. Chapter members willing to serve as members; and 3. A project.

This manual has a number of mentoring programs that can be implemented by Mentoring Committees of any size.

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Chapter Mentoring ProgramsThe programs profiled in this manual were provided by the chapters and

organizations stated. These program profiles were provided with the intention and purpose of allowing chapters to develop additional programs. If Mentoring Committees or chapter leadership have questions about a particular program, feel free to contact the program chair or the president of the chapter that hosts the program.

Collier County Women’s Bar Association (CCWBA)

Table for 8

Program Chair:  Shelley Rhoads Perry, sperry0210@gmail.com, 401-714-2038Mentors: Established Attorneys and JudgesMentees:  New attorneys (under 7 years of experience), attorneys new to

the area, and law students

Summary of ProgramWho participates: One or Two Host(s), One or Two CCWBA Board

Member(s), 2-3 Mentors, 2-3 MenteesHow to become a participant: Join the CCWBA, attend a CCWBA luncheon as a

guest, recommendation from another attorneyHow Often Does the Program Occur: Monthly Sept-MayProgram Format: 1) Committee Chair secures host for each month. 2) Host

decides on date and location. 3) Committee Chair issues invites, compiles guest list, and helps host as needed.

Costs of the Program: CCWBA reimburses the Host up to $200 for food and Drink

Program Goals: Diversity, Professional Development, Career Advancement, Networking Skills Development

Program Success is Measured: No written measurements. Generally look to increased membership in CCWBA with Mentees eventually becoming Mentors and Hosts

Awards:   None at this time.History: Table for 8 is the CCWBA formal mentoring program, adopted by the

CCWBA in 2007. Maggie McMorrow went to the Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference in Orlando where the Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers (CFAWL) about their mentoring program which was called Table for 8.  After the Board formally adopted the program based on the information from CFAWL, CCWBA held its first Table for 8 in October of 2007.  Each Table for 8 is hosted by a CCWBA member volunteer, joined by 1-2 CCWBA Board member(s), 2-3 established members of the Collier County legal community and 3-4 “newer” practitioners (having practiced here typically less than seven years).  Guests enjoy a casual, engaging evening of camaraderie and lighthearted fun, either at the

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Host’s home or at a local restaurant.  Everyone is encouraged to attend a Table for 8, regardless of past participation.

 Sample Table for 8 E-mail Invitation:

Good Morning, <Table for 8 Invitee>:

I am the director that chairs the Collier County Women's Bar Association's Table for 8 events, and <attorney who is hosting> asked that I invite you to attend the one she is hosting in <month>.  <Host’s> Table will be held at <location> at <date and time>.

The CCWBA's "Table for 8" events provide a unique way to get to know other women in the Collier County legal community.  Each Table is hosted by one or two CCWBA member volunteer(s), joined by established attorneys from the Collier County legal community and three-four “newer” practitioners (having practiced here typically less than seven years).  Guests enjoy a casual, engaging evening of camaraderie and lighthearted fun.

Please let me know whether you are able to attend via email at your earliest convenience, and feel free to call if you have any questions or would like additional information about the event.  You can reach me on my cell at 123-456-7890, or at the direct number below.  Also, if you are able to attend, please include any food allergies or other dietary restrictions in your RSVP, so that our host can ensure the hors d’oeuvres can be enjoyed by all. 

I hope you are able to take part in this wonderful evening!

 Sincerely,

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Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers (HAWL)

HAWL Mentoring Committee

Program Chair’s Contact Information:  Dara Cooley and Rachael Rudin; Email: hawlmentoring @gmail.com; dcooley@burr.com; rachael.rudin@verizon.net)

Mentors:  Lawyers (both experienced and young lawyers) and Judges

Mentees:  Law Students (Stetson Law and expanding to include Cooley Law)

Summary of Program including:

1) Who participates:  Lawyers, Judges and Students participate

2) How to become a participant:  Complete an application and attend our “Speed Mentoring” Event held in the Fall of each year.  This event is designed to allow the students the opportunity to meet the majority of our mentors, and speak with them about their interests.  Every participant completes a preference form at the end of the evening and specifically requests a match.  The committee then works to match mentees with a mentor who matches their request and/or is the best fit for their area of legal interest.

3) How often the program meets or occurs:  The mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet as often as possible (ideally at least once per month).  Organized events for the program typically occur every month in the Fall, and every other month in the Spring.

4) The format of the program:  Speed Mentoring Event in September; Shadow Day at the Courthouse in October; HAWL-iday Party in November or December; Judicial Reception in January (not specifically a Mentoring Program, but the mentees are encouraged to attend); Spring Mixer (March or April); and Year-End Banquet (May)

5) How the program works:  Mentoring Groups are assigned at the beginning of the year.  Each mentoring group consists of law student mentees, 1 young lawyer and 1 experienced lawyer or judge.  The groups are encouraged to meet together as a group or individually.  The mentors are available to answer questions about entering the profession, growing your practice and ethics and professionalism.  Many mentors invite the students to lunch or coffee, or even invite them to come observe court proceedings or depositions.  It’s an invaluable opportunity for law students to see the legal practice outside of a classroom.

6) Costs of the program: Free

7) Goals of the Program:  The main goal is to provide mentorship to law students and young lawyers and to promote professionalism.

8) How program success is measured:  The number of participants

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Any Awards the Program has won: The program received a $1,000.00 Affiliate Outreach Committee grant from the Florida Bar in 2009. The program also received a $500.00 Affiliate Outreach Committee grant from the Florida Bar in 2010.

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Miami-Dade FAWL

Speed Mentoring

Program Name: Speed Mentoring Event

Program Chair’s Contact Information: Lauren Brunswick

Target Mentors: Lawyers and judges

Target Mentees: Law students

Summary of Program:

Each Fall, Miami-Dade FAWL holds its Speed Mentoring Event.  Modeled after “speed dating,” law students from University of Miami School of Law, Florida International University School of Law and St. Thomas University School of Law spend the evening rotating through prospective attorney and judge mentors in attendance, speaking with each prospective mentor for five minutes. 

At the end of the evening, the event participants ranked their top three choices for mentor or mentee.  The Miami-Dade FAWL Mentoring Committee then make mentor/mentee pairings taking these rankings, practice areas and other factors into consideration. 

To get the word out about the program to law students, the Mentoring Committee contacts the various law schools, specifically their career offices and/or women lawyer groups.  The Mentoring Committee spreads the word amongst its attorney members via FAWL’s newsletters and individual emails publicizing the event.  Participants sign up via a webpage or by contacting the Mentoring Committee directly.  FAWL contacts members of the judiciary individually, and generally has an extremely positive response.

The program is inexpensive to carry out.  This year, the program had several sponsors, which donated meeting space, food and beverage and photography services. 

The goal of the program is to provide law students with mentors who will provide professional guidance for years to come.  The program has been an overwhelming success.  Attorneys and their law student mentors have developed long-lasting relationships, some of which have resulted in job opportunities for the law student mentees.  It is one of Miami-Dade FAWL’s most popular events, with attendance ranging from approximately 75 to 125 participants annually.

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2013 Miami-Dade FAWL Mentoring Program Application MENTEE

Personal Information:

Name:

Ideal Mentor Information:

Type of Employer:

firm

in-house attorney

public interest

government

academia

other:_____________________

If a law firm, size of local office:

200+

150-199

100-149

50-99

2-49

Solo practitioner

Years in practice: ___________________________

Title:

Email address

Tel. No.

Law School and Year (i.e. 1L, 2L, 3L)

Are you a member of your school’s FAWL Chapter?

Y / N

Undergraduate Institution and Year of Graduation

Other Degrees and Institutions Attended

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Law School Activities: Practice Areas:

Activities and interests outside law: Activities/Interests:

Other/comments:

Mentoring:

What do you hope to gain from your mentor/mentee relationship?

When (e.g., at lunch, after work, Fridays, on weekends, etc.) and where (e.g. downtown Miami, Coral Gables, etc.) do you prefer to meet with your mentor? Are there any commitments that will affect your ability to meet with your mentor?

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2013 Miami-Dade FAWL Mentoring Program Application MENTORPlease RSVP & Return By _____________________

Personal Information:

Name:

Ideal Mentor Information:

Type of Employer:

firm

in-house attorney

public interest

government

academia

other:_____________________

If a law firm, size of local office:

200+

150-199

100-149

50-99

2-49

Solo practitioner

Years in practice: ___________________________

Title:

Email address

Tel. No.

Law School and Year (i.e. 1L, 2L, 3L)

Are you a member of your school’s FAWL Chapter?

Y / N

Undergraduate Institution and Year of Graduation

Other Degrees and Institutions Attended

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Law School Activities: Practice Areas:

Activities and interests outside law: Activities/Interests:

Other/comments:

Mentoring:

What do you hope to gain from your mentor/mentee relationship?

When (e.g., at lunch, after work, Fridays, on weekends, etc.) and where (e.g. downtown Miami, Coral Gables, etc.) do you prefer to meet with your mentor? Are there any commitments that will affect your ability to meet with your mentor?

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Palm Beach County FAWL

Mentoring Lunch Series

Program Chair’s Contact Information:     aebmcmichaelesq@aol.com ; rponzoli@richmangreer.com           

Target Mentors: Senior Attorneys

Target Mentees: Young Lawyers

Summary of Program including:

1) Who participates: A wide variety of Lawyers attend from Young Lawyers to Seasoned practitioners attend

2) How to become a participant: Come to a monthly luncheon free to FAWL members. 

3) How often the program meets or occurs: 1 per month

4) The format of the program: Speakers in different areas attend and present their topics which have ranged from discussions concerning: the Bar and Bar leadership, practical tips concerning mediation, professionalism, and the benefits of meditation  

5) How the program works: Speakers present their topics and there is a Q & A session near the end

6) Costs of the program: $180 for lunch

7) Goals of the program: Enhancing FAWL members’ experiences in the profession inside and outside the office through exposure to diverse topics by leaders on the topics presented

8) How program success is measured: By the continued attendance of FAWL members and positive feedback from the attendees

Any Awards the Program has won: none this year

Any written information, documents or instructions you have about or use with the program:  No formal outline for the program; the previous year's Chairs meet with the current year's Chairs and pass on the information regarding logistics.

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Tallahassee Women Lawyers (TWL)

One –To-One Mentoring Match

TWL matches students from FSU’s Women’s Law Symposium (FSU FAWL Chapter) with mentors who are members of TWL. At the beginning of each new school year, TWL coordinates with Women’s Law Symposium (WLS) and gets a list of students who wish to have mentors. Students are asked to provide contact information, interests and limited background information. TWL’s Mentoring Chair then matches those students with TWL members who have volunteered to be a mentor. Some mentors have more than one mentee, depending on the number of volunteers, the interests of the mentees and the availability of the mentor.

Once matched, the mentee and mentor coordinate meetings. Mentors are encouraged to bring their mentees to all TWL meetings and events. Mentors are also encouraged to involve mentees in other community events and court practice, if possible. Types of events mentors and mentees attend together:

TWL Meetings TWL Judicial Reception TWL Holiday Party TWL Women Empowerment Series TWL Spring CLEs TWL Table for 8 TWL Rookie Camp FAWL Lobby Days Annual Florida Supreme Court Pro Bono Awards Program in Tallahassee in January each

year Tallahassee Bar Association’s Chili Cook Off Hearings in federal and state courts Administrative Hearings Legislative Committee Hearings

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Table for 8

Program Chair:  Director of MentoringMentors: Attorneys, Judges and Law ProfessorsMentees:  New attorneys, attorneys new to Second Judicial Circuit, and law students

Who participates: One or Two Host(s) who are members of TWL and up to 6-7 additional attendees with the goal being about half mentors and half mentees.

How to become a participant: Join TWL or FSU’s Women’s Law Symposium or be invited by a TWL member.

How Often Does the Program Occur: Monthly

Program Format: Host can either host at their home or in a restaurant. The meal can either be provided entirely by the host, as a potluck with all participants bringing a dish, or each participant paying for their own dinner. Participants introduce each other and talk over the meal. Costs of the Program: The host or participants usually pay the minimal costs of the meal. Program Goals: Introduce participants to new members of TWL, build relationships throughout the legal community, and help enhance the mentor/mentee relationship.Program Success is Measured: No written measurements. Success is usually judged on the participation at the events. Awards:   None.

Sample Evite that is sent to all TWL members:

Table of 8

Come join a Lunchtime Table of 8 hosted by 

Judge __________________ & TWL Board Member ______________________

on Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Please contact Christi Gray at cgray@graylawfl.com if you are interested in. Space is limited.

.

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Rookie Camp

Program Chair:  Christin GonzalezMentors: Established Attorneys and JudgesMentees:  New attorneys (under 5 years of experience) and law students from any Florida law school

Summary of ProgramWho participates: Mentors: Judges, Experienced Attorneys, Administrative Law Judges,

Attorneys who Work for the State in Both Lawyer and Non-Lawyer Positions, TWL Board Members, and Florida Bar Leadership

Mentees: Law Students from FSU and any other law school in Florida who would like to come, and new/young lawyers

How to become a participant: Speakers are invited to speak by the Program Chair based on a program schedule determined by the Chair and the Committee Participants respond to invitations sent to the TWL members, FSU Law School, and other local voluntary bar associations

How Often Does the Program Occur: Yearly

Program Format: It is a day long program held at either the Supreme Court or the First District Court of Appeals. The program consists of structured programming on topics that range from professionalism to maintaining work/life balance to the importance of becoming involved in the community and voluntary bar activities; a networking lunch; and “speed mentoring”. Speed mentoring allows participants to meet a number of experienced professionals, including the speakers. During the speed mentoring segment, participants spend five minutes with a volunteer mentor and ask questions on any subject. The mentor provides an answer. After five minutes, time is called and the participant moves on to the next mentor. Participants receive written materials that include pamphlets, applications and written articles on various subjects.

Past topics for programming have included: 1) How to get involved in Florida Bar Committees & Sections; 2) Low-Income Resources In the Community; 3) The Importance & Impact of Pro Bono; 4) The Bar’s Character & Fitness Process; 5) The Bar’s Discipline System; 6) Professionalism in the Courtroom; and 7) How to Handle Difficult Situations & Opposing Counsel.

Past materials have included: Low Income Resource Guide; Instruction booklet for applying for Florida Bar Committees; Written articles on Professionalism provided by the Florida Bar; Pamphlet on appropriate dress for different types of events; Helpful blogs and websites for young lawyers.

Costs of the Program: TWL funds the program through grants, sponsorships, donations and free facilities through the Courts.

Program Goals: 1) Prepare law students and young lawyers for the realities of the profession.2) Encourage law students and young lawyers to get involved in the Florida Bar, Tallahassee Women Lawyers and other community activities.

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3) Help law students and young lawyers learn to develop mentoring relationships.4) Encourage law students and young lawyers to model professional and civil behavior.5) Introduce law students and young lawyers to leaders in the legal profession and justice system.6) Provide Ethics and Professionalism CLE for free to participants.

Program Success is Measured: By attendance and an evaluation by participants

Awards: Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar Most Significant Member Service Project During 2011-2012.

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Additional Mentoring Programs Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD)

Mentoring with the Masters

Too often, attorneys do not have a person to turn to when they need help.  The YLD enlisted the help of Bar leaders and experts in filming a variety of targeted videos aimed at helping young lawyers in the formative years of their practice.

The Mentoring with the Masters video series will help bridge the gap between law school and practice.  Each video addresses a different topic area that contains helpful hints, tricks and practical information that every lawyer needs to know to have a successful career.

The following is a list of videos available through the Mentoring with the Masters program. More are added regularly so make sure you visit the Mentoring with the Masters webpage regularly. Latest Releases:

April 3, 2014: How to Develop a Theme for your Litigation: from Threshold to TrialApril 14, 2014: How to Answer a Judge's Questions During HearingsApril 16, 2014: Tips for Litigating in Federal CourtApril 22, 2014: Jake Schickel - Board CertificationApril 24, 2014: Elaine Silver - Collaborative DivorceApril 29, 2014: Jamie Moses - Brief WritingMay 1, 2014: Greg Coleman - E-Etiquette and the New ProfessionalismMay 5, 2014: Peggy Hoyt - Pet TrustsMay 8, 2014: Brandon Peters - How to Negotiate (Anything) like an FBI Agent May 13, 2014: Mayanne Downs - Initial Interviews and Selection of ClientsMay 15, 2014: John (Jack) Hickey - How to Keep Your Clients HappyMay 20, 2014: Cat Losey - Social MediaMay 22, 2014: Scott Hawkins - Time Management and Leadership Development

From Upchurch, Watson, White & Max

Nov. 20, 2013:     Preparing Your Opening Comments Nov. 27, 2013:     Preparing Your Mediator Dec. 04, 2013: Preparing Your ClientDec. 11, 2013: Anchoring in NegotiationDec. 18, 2013: Bracketing in NegotiationJan. 08, 2014: What's Going On In The Other Room?

The Original Mentoring with The Masters Video Series

Getting Involved in Bar Activities Estate Planning Mediation The Art of Jury Instructions

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Appellate Practice - Initiating an Appeal Strategies for Making Your Life Work Preparing for Hearings and Dealing with Difficult Opposing Lawyers

Mentoring Matters

The Young Lawyers Division is committed to encouraging lawyers to participate in mentoring programs at the local level. Currently, mentoring programs are established voluntarily by local bar associations, Inns of Court, etc. 

The YLD's Transition to Practice (T2P) committee is tasked with educating young lawyers about mentoring programs and in encouraging state-wide mentoring programs.

Below is a list of mentoring programs available throughout the state.

The C. H. Ferguson M. E. White American Inn of Court(Meeting Location: Chester H. Ferguson Law Center; 1610 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602)Contact Robert Nader –rjn@naderlawfl.com

Dade CountyDade County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section. Annual MixerContact Stephanie Grosman, Esq. Dade Legal Aid 123 N.W. First Avenue Miami, FL 33128 (305) 579-5733 Ext. 2224 (305) 372-7693 Fax sgrosman@dadelegalaid.org

Jacksonville Florida Coastal Alumni Association Contact Lauren Griffith lgriffith@fcsl.edu

Jacksonville Bar Association Mentor Program Committee c/o The Jacksonville Bar Association841 Prudential Drive, Ste. 1320Jacksonville, FL 32207-8369. Phone: 904-399-4486 Fax: 904-399-4854

OrlandoYLS Mentoring Programwww.ylsmentoring.orgContact Skinner Louis(407) 603-6044slouis@louisfirm.com

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Palm Beach County Palm Beach County Bar Associationhttp://www.palmbeachbar.org/mentor-program/

SarasotaAnnual Mentoring Event in AugustContact Margaret Goodmgood@matthewseastmore.com

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Bar AssociationInformal mentoring programContact Erica Smith -esmith@fishersauls.com

TallahasseeTallahassee Women Lawyers Association.     Contact: Christi Gray 2509 Barrington Circle, Suite 107 Tallahassee, FL 32308 850.668.6611 office 866.746.6080 fax cgray@graylawfl.com

Tampa Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar AssociationContact Katherine Yanes KYanes@kmf-law.com

FAWLSpeed mentoring (Tallahassee Women Lawyers Chapter) Table of Eight (Tallahassee Women Lawyers Chapter) One on One Mentoring (Several Chapters) Rookie Camp (Tallahassee Women Lawyers Chapter) Mentoring Social Events (Tallahassee Women Lawyers Chapter)  Contact:  Twyla Sketchley The Professional Center at SouthWood 3689 Coolidge Court, Suite 8 Tallahassee, FL  32311 Telephone (850) 894-0152 Facsimile (850) 297-2884 www.sketchleylaw.com

Tallahassee Barristers Association  Contact Mentoring Chair Ashlee A. Pouncy ( ashleeapouncy@gmail.com ) or President Kristen A. Hanna.  For additional information on Tallahassee Barristers Association, please visit our web site: http://tallahassee-barristers.org/home/26 | P a g e

Out-of-State Programs:

 Ohio"Why Mentoring Matters Now," Lori L. Keating, Ohio Lawyer , 27-32, (September/October 2009).

www.sconet.state.oh.us/AttySvcs/mentoring/default.aspwww.sconet.state.oh.us/AttySvcs/mentoring/NewLawyerOrientation.pdf

American Bar Associationwww.abanet.org/mentoring/www.abanet.org/cpr/professionalism/mentoring.html

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YLD Law Student Division

Mentoring Program

The Florida Bar YLD Law Student Division Mentoring Program was designed with the main goal of connecting Law Student Division members with Florida attorneys.  The Florida Bar YLD Law Student Division has built a statewide network of attorneys to mentor students both locally and across the state.

To accommodate Law Student Division members, mentees have the opportunity to select whether they prefer to be paired with a local mentor or an Across-the-State mentor.  Local mentors are expected to meet with their mentees at least 5 times during the program, focusing on real legal experience, networking and professionalism by allowing their mentee to attend events and activities such as depositions, trials, negotiations, closings, hearings, mediations, document executions, client consultations, and/or local bar events, activities, and educational programs. Across-the-State mentors benefit those students who may be attending law school in one part of the State, but who have plans after graduation to practice in another part of the State, and/or students who want to learn about a particular practice area in which a practitioner outside of their school’s geographic region specializes.  Mentors and mentees paired through an “Across-the-State” mentoring relationship will communicate electronically and/or by phone.  Such relationship will allow the mentee to establish a relationship with an attorney who practices in their future “home” base and/or ideal post-graduation practice area.

BENEFITS TO ATTORNEYS:

The Law Student Division Mentoring Program provides Attorney’s with speaking opportunities, networking opportunities, and mentorship opportunities at every law school in the state!

o Recrui t more law students to your Section, Division or Law Firm o Speak at your alma mater or a local law school o Help law student's transition from law school to the legal professiono Network with other attorneys

 BENEFITS TO LAW STUDENTS:

The Law Student Division Mentoring Program provides educational, networking, and mentorship opportunities to Florida law students at no cost!

o Attend events and activities to gain real legal experienceo Learn how to balance your professional and personal life o Prepare for the transition from law school to the legal professiono Network with local and state-wide attorneys

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Elder Law Section of the Florida BarThe Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar has three different mentoring programs. 1) Tricks of the Trade Telephone Conferences, 2) One-to-One Mentoring Matches; and 3) Certification Exam Boot Camp

Tricks of the Trade Calls

The Elder Law Section Mentoring Committee hosts a series of teleconferences titled Tricks of the Trade. The purpose of the teleconferences is to provide help to newer attorneys establishing their practice through the experiences of more experienced Elder Law Practitioners.

   Each teleconference will cover a different area of Elder Law. One to two mentors will lead the discussions with ten to twenty minutes of introductions and tips for Mentees. The remainder of the call time is open to a casual question and answer sessions on that month's topic. All questions are anonymous. Although the teleconferences are focused on providing assistance to newer Elder Law attorneys, all members of the Elder Law Section are welcome to participate. The teleconferences are free and CLE credit is provided where allowed by the Florida Bar. 

  The call takes place on the first Thursday of every second month from 12-1:00 (Eastern). The topics of the conference are determined by the Mentoring Committee. The list of topics is delivered to the Chairs of the Substantive Committees associated with that subjects to be discussed. The Substantive Committee Chair arranges with the Committee Chair for the speaker for the date of a topic, date and outline of presentation. Once the speaker is confirmed with the Mentoring Committee Chair, the topic, date, and speaker is forwarded to the Section Administrator and Administrative Chair to update the Web site and arrange for CLE. A email is sent to every Elder Law Section Member at least 15 days before the date of the call.

Speakers are usually Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys or Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) by NAELA. However, if the speaker is not Board Certified, he/she has substantial experience and expertise within the area being discussed. In the event it is proposed that one of the speakers be a non-attorney or an attorney not associated with the Elder Law Section the proposed topic and speaker(s) must be approved by the Elder Law Section Board to ensure an alternative speaker within the section cannot be arranged. Non-attorney presentations are focused on practice tips and education for young or new Elder Law attorneys and not product or service sales.

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One-to-One Mentoring Match

The Elder Law Section Mentoring Committee matches attorneys who want mentors with attorneys who wish to be mentors. Mentors and mentees must both must be members of the Elder Law Section.

Mentees contact the Mentoring Committee Chair(s) and request a mentor. The mentee is required to provide information about their geographical practice area, number of years practicing elder law, contact information, and any specific mentoring topics they may need assistance with. That information is then sent to the list of volunteer mentors who are asked if they are willing to volunteer to be matched with the mentee. Mentees can ask for a general mentor or a mentor for a specific topic such as guardianship, Medicaid, Board Certification, practice management, etc. When applying for a mentor, mentees must specifically state whether they are looking for a general mentor a subject matter mentor.

Mentors are generally not asked to mentor an attorney in their geographical area that practices in the same practice areas. However, that is up to the mentor in each circumstance. Mentors are also usually not asked to mentor more than one mentee. In addition to the specific mentoring requested by the mentee, Mentors encourage their mentees to participate in Elder Law Section events such as Annual Update and the Tricks of the Trade Calls, attend Elder Law Section Executive Council meetings, join Substantive Committees, and write articles for the Elder Law Advocate. Mentors are also encouraged to meet their mentees at Elder Law Section events and introduce them to Elder Law Section leaders and other members.

   When mentees are matched with mentors, mentees are provided instructions on the Elder Law Section’s mentor/mentee relationship expectations, including conduct including the protection of attorney/client privileged information. The mentee is expected to initiate contact with the mentor in a manner consistent with the mentor/mentee guidelines.

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Example of the Mentoring Letter Sent to the Mentee:

Dear Mentee:

The Mentoring Committee has located a mentor who is willing to serve as your mentor.  _________________________ has offered to speak with you regarding your questions on ________________________________.  You could not be in better hands.  He/She is the former Chair of the Section/Board Certified/has expertise in ___________________ and a person I have leaned on more than a couple of times for help.  I have copied her/him with email so you two can work out the best way to communicate.  I am sure nothing below will surprise you; however, we try to remind everyone of the following guidelines for the mentoring relationship:

1. Do not call collect. 2. Identify yourself. 3. Have the issues researched and framed in your own mind before calling. 4. Ask the mentor for the preferred mode of communication, i.e., email, telephone, etc. 5. Be forthcoming as to the reason for your call. 6. Limit your call to 10 minutes or less out of respect for the mentor’s time. 7. Do not seek legal advice for yourself as a client. 8. Be sure not to refer to the mentor when speaking with clients unless approved in advance

by the mentor and hired as co-counsel. 9. Questions posed to the mentor should be hypothetical in nature. The identities of the

parties and matters should be disclosed to the mentor for the sole purpose of resolving possible conflicts of interest. No privity or appearance of privity between the mentor and the mentee or the clients of the mentee should be established.

If you have any questions or problems please let me know.

Sincerely,

Mentoring Committee Chair

 

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Certification Boot Camp

Every year at the Elder Law Section Annual Update, the Elder Law Section holds what is referred to as Certification Boot Camp. Boot Camp is a 60-90 minute long panel discussion and question and answer period with written materials designed to assist members attending Annual Update who are planning to apply for Board Certification in Elder Law or are taking the exam following the Annual Update. Any person who attends the Annual Update can attend Boot Camp regardless of their Board Certification status.

Boot Camp is designed to help participants prepare for the Elder Law Board Certification exam. The written materials provide an example study plan, a list of study materials, information about creating or joining an exam study group, and sample exam questions to allow participants to practice for the exam. The materials are compiled by the Mentoring Committee from submissions from Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

The Boot Camp panelists are Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys. They are asked to provide participants with advice for studying and taking the Certification exam. After the panelists provide advice, participants ask the panelists questions. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys.

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Mentoring Resources

American Bar Association: The ABA and its sections have a variety of mentoring programs for everyone from prospective law students to law students to practicing attorneys. http://www.americanbar.org

Florida Association for Women Lawyers: FAWL Chapters are always developing new programs and ways to mentor. Keeping in touch with the leadership of other chapters is a great resource for developing mentoring programs. http://www.fawl.org

The Florida Bar: The Florida Bar’s Henry Lattimer Center for Professionalism has resources to assist Bar Sections and Voluntary Bar Organizations with developing and sustaining a mentoring program, including a manual that includes forms, topics and goals for a tradition mentoring program. While not included in this manual, the various Bar Sections have a variety of programs that can be considered mentoring programs. http://www.flabar.org

Lean In.org: This is the community associated with the bestselling book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. Lean In.org allows individuals to create Lean In Circles and invite friends, schedule meetings, and create discussions on topics relevant to women advancing in their chosen profession. In addition, the site provides websites and materials on a variety of topics relevant to women. http://leanin.org

National Association for Women Lawyers: NAWL is a nation voluntary bar organization created to serve the interests of women lawyers. They have a variety of programs that can supplement any mentoring program. http://www.nawl.org/

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