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The
AJTA Mentor Program is designed to offer another real-life benefit to
Journal members by connecting them with alumni. The following
general information may address some of your questions. We
welcome you, if interested, to volunteer
as a mentor each August.
If you were a mentor, please
complete our online survey to assist us
in improving our Program in the future. What is the general 2005 Mentor Program schedule? Monday, August 15 – Deadline for alumni to volunteer to be a mentor. Monday, August 22 – Alumni will be mailed packets that include completed questionnaires of every 2L and 3L Journal member who applied for a mentor. Thursday, September 1 – Deadline for alumni mentors to choose a student. Thursday, September 15 – Program begins with a reception to introduce mentors and students. Fall 2005 - Spring 2006 – Mentors meet with and counsel the students periodically through the academic year to whatever degree becomes comfortable. Hopefully a natural relationship will develop that extends beyond this year. Are you looking for mentors only in Birmingham? No. We welcome volunteers from anywhere else in the country. If we do not happen to have a student from your area this year, we still appreciate your support. What am I agreeing to do as a mentor? Minimum Suggestions: (1) Initiate a meeting with the student in person at least twice before March 2006. This can be in your office, over lunch, or in any setting that lends itself to developing a mentor relationship. (If you are out-of-state, try to arrange a meeting with the student in person when he or she travels home for a visit or a job interview.) (2) Make yourself available to the student via email or telephone. You put whatever restrictions you want on the student’s access to you. Be specific. Be frank.
Other Suggestions: Take the student with you to a particularly
instructive court appearance or a bar meeting. To an extent that is
reasonable, introduce the student to other members of the legal
community. Invite the student to a ball game or to golf, if
that becomes comfortable. Check in with the student occasionally via
email or phone. Am I expected to get the student a job?
No. The students know this Program does not promise a job. It
is hoped, however, that the student may make contacts or gain
knowledge in their future field of practice because of
your relationship that will ultimately benefit the student’s job
search. You, and the
natural progression of the relationship, determine the extent of your
assistance. So what do the mentor and student discuss? The mentor sets the tone for the relationship. It is important to note that students tend to approach the relationship tentatively. Particularly in the beginning, most students will be hesitant to ask for help or initiate contact at all. You can give the student (a) guidance on the job market generally, (b) insight into interviewing or resume drafting, (c) information about current job possibilities, (d) introductions to other attorneys, etc.
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Last revised: 10/14/05
