​Having a professional mentor can be a game-changer for lawyers. A mentor provides guidance, support and invaluable insights that can help lawyers and legal staff navigate their careers more effectively.

Benefits of mentorship

1. Guidance and support: mentors offer personalised advice and support based on their own experiences. This guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed career decisions. Bear in mind however that you should make decisions that fit your career goals and personality (which may differ from what a mentor may suggest or what they would do in your shoes).

2. Mentors can identify areas where a mentee may need improvement and provide strategies to enhance these skills. This can include anything from honing legal research techniques to managing workplace conflict to developing better client communication skills.

3. One advantage of having a mentor is access to their professional network. Mentors can introduce mentees to key industry figures and help them build valuable connections.

4. With a mentor's guidance, lawyers can better understand the steps needed to advance their careers. Mentors can provide insights into what it takes to achieve senior roles and how to navigate the complexities of the legal profession.

Establishing a mentoring relationship

It's crucial to establish a strong, reciprocal relationship. Here are some key ingredients for a successful mentoring relationship:

1. Define what you hope to achieve through mentorship to form clear objectives. This clarity helps you find a mentor who aligns with your career goals and ensures the relationship remains focused and productive.

2. Being proactive and organised shows respect for your mentor’s time. Ensure that meetings are productive and that you are prepared for each interaction around what you want to ask.

3. Consistent and transparent communication is vital. Whether through face-to-face meetings, emails, or phone calls, maintaining regular contact strengthens the mentor-mentee bond and keeps progress on track.

4. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to adapt. Mentorship often involves challenging tasks that require flexibility and a willingness to learn new approaches.

5. Recognise when the mentoring relationship is not effective. If the relationship isn’t working, be prepared to end it gracefully and seek a more suitable mentor.

Mentorship is a valuable tool for any person in the legal profession looking to enhance their career. The guidance, support and networking opportunities provided by a mentor can significantly impact how you navigate your professional journey.

Many law firms are establishing structured mentoring frameworks in New Zealand, pairing young lawyers with senior members of the team. If this is something your current role is lacking, get in touch with a member of the CoLegal team who can help align you with an employer with an effective mentoring structure.