Pennsylvania Bar Association

Solo and Small Firm Section

Mentoring Program

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mentoring Program of the Solo and Small Firm Section (Mentoring Program) is committed to providing support and guidance to solo and small firm (under 25 attorneys) practitioners through a voluntary network of members of the Section who wish to be Mentors or Reverse Mentors. The Mentoring Program focuses on the individual needs of solo and small firm practitioners by establishing a partnership with a solo or small firm practitioner to meet either long term needs or for assistance with a particular task. The Mentoring Program was created to:

-Assist any attorney who wishes to establish their own practice.

-To assist solo and small firm practitioners with all aspects of the practice of law or to assist with a specific task, i.e. first jury trial or first commercial loan closing; and

-To provide lawyers who can provide guidance to a Section Member in various law practice management areas such as technology.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This voluntary program is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Section (the “Section”) and is coordinated by the Section’s Mentoring Advisory Committee (the “Committee”). Through the Mentoring Program, attorneys who have decided to enter into solo or small firm practice will be paired with experienced solo or small firm attorneys of the Section who provide guidance in multiple areas of the practice of law. More specifically, the Mentor will provide advice on issues of importance to the Mentee, including but not limited to, professionalism, career development and management, law office economics, leadership, technology, networking and work-life balance issues. The Mentor relationship will last for a period of time agreed to by the Mentor and Mentee.

  1. Mentor Qualifications
  1. Member of the PBA Solo and Small Firm Section.
  2. Committed to fulfilling the Mentor Guidelines set forth below.
  1. Mentee Qualifications
  1. Member of the PBA Solo and Small Firm Section.
  2. Committed to fulfilling the Mentee Guidelines set forth below.
  1. Mentor Guidelines and Goals

The following is a list of suggested goals for Mentors participating in the Mentor Program. These guidelines are meant to be suggestions with the understanding that Mentor/Mentee pairings may adjust these to meet their specific needs:

  1. In applying to this Mentoring Program, Mentors recognize the importance of participating in the events/programs set forth below and agree to prioritize their attendance.
  2. Be available to meet in person or maintain phone contact with their assigned Mentee(s) at times agreed to by the Mentor and Mentee..
  3. Invite Mentee to attend with them at least one event where they will have an opportunity to network with other lawyers or judges, (e.g. bar association event, CLE program, etc.).
  4. Provide feedback to the program and complete year-end survey.
  1. Mentee Guidelines and Goals
  1. In applying to this Program, Mentees recognize the importance of participating in the events/programs set forth below and agree to prioritize their attendance.
  2. Be available to meet in person or maintain phone contact with their assigned Mentor atagreed upon times.
  3. Attend at least one event with their Mentor where they will have an opportunity to network with other lawyers or judges (e.g. bar association event, CLE program, etc.).
  4. Provide feedback to the program and complete year-end survey.
  1. Matching Process

To the extent possible, the Committee will attempt to match Mentors and Mentees based upon the Mentee’s needs, the area in which they practice (i.e., general practice, domestic, litigation, etc.) and the geographic region in which they reside. Depending upon the scope of the volunteer pool, the Committee will also consider additional information identified in their respective Applications.

  1. Establishing and Maintaining a Positive Relationship

At any time during participation in the Mentoring Program, Mentors and Mentees are encouraged to express compliments, suggestions, or concerns with Section leaders with the expectation that all communication is held in strict confidence.