Everyone needs some guidance at some point in their career.  If one is lucky enough to realize this early on, they can take advantage of the years of experience around them.  In recognition of this need, and the plethora of attorneys that were being 'forced' into hanging out their shingles in the mid-2000s due to the economic crisis, the Family Law Section established its mentoring program as a benefit to its members and as a service to the community.
 

The program is designed to allow mentors and mentees to create a relationship that works for them; for example, not every mentee needs a structured program or every mentor has that much time to give, but they can meet periodically in person or on the phone and ask and answer questions on an as needed basis.    Mentees range from student members to those Section members with more experience, all of whom are seeking guidance on topics ranging from practice related issues to how to deal with a particular legal issue. 
 

Choosing a mentor from the experienced practitioners who have graciously agreed to serve is easy.  Complete the mentor application and submit it to the Section administrator for the Section's future use. Then, simply review the list (all mentors' locale, telephone and email addresses are provided) and pick one that is in your area to start.  Contact him/her and advise them that you are a member of the Section and interested in a mentor and from the website see that he/she has agreed to serve as a mentor.  Tell them what it is that you are looking for in your mentor-mentee relationship and if the mentor is able to assist you in this regard, he or she will let you know.  If it's a match, great, if it's not, you can then ask for possible recommendations from the list or simply move on to your next choice until you find one that is the right fit.  That's all there is to it.  Of course, any questions can be directed to the Section Administrator, Gabrielle Tollok at   850/561-5650 or Robin J. Scher, at 561/626-5640.
 

Here is an excerpt from a mentee currently participating in the Section's Mentoring Program:

"I went to law school, passed the bar, now what? I knew I wanted to be on my own, but was also terrified at the prospect of not working at a law firm where more seasoned attorneys could assist me and answer all my questions as I gained my own experience. At first, I did not have much guidance, so I leaned on one of my law school's professor who was kind, patient and generously provided the initial guidance that I required.  With a little research, I came across the Mentoring Corner of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar.  This became the answer to my professional predicament! I learned that there are a group of successful lawyers that provide mentoring and guidance to new lawyer like myself. Since then, the wonderful individuals that participate in this program have supplied me with the legal advice, suggestions, and guidance (in both trial and appellate courts), that have allowed me to succeed as a solo practitioner. At first, I reached out to multiple mentors, trying not to overburden any single one with the myriad of questions that come along with doing everything for the first time. Then, I was extremely fortunate to come across a wonderful attorney who took me under her wing, and always made time to answer all my phone calls and text messages.

 

Without this program, and the selfless individuals that participate in it, I would not have been able to make it on my own. Throughout the years, I have received invaluable support from different mentors and family law attorneys. This has come in the form of guidance on procedure, guidance on case law and evidence, helpful tips on ongoing cases, and sample forms.  Additionally, the mentoring lawyers always have suggestions as to how to become a more ethical, active and overall better professional.  The only caveat pertains to time. Understandably, every mentoring lawyer has different available time, accessible time and response time. As a mentee, I believe it is very important to do your own research first, and then keep the important questions that remain brief and concise, to not overburden the mentor. Simply put, this is an amazing program, and I am very grateful to all the lawyers that have dedicated their time to me and others to help us become better professionals."  -Jeannette Watkin, Esq.