IPLAC's Mentoring Program
Join Us & Mentor Tomorrow's Leaders Today
Given the new world we live in, IPLAC believes it’s more important than ever to stay connected as a community and profession.
We want to support our members now more than ever, which is why we are proud to announce the launch of the IPLAC Mentoring Program. Mentoring is a great way to not only give back to others but also to enrich yourself and your practice. Mentoring, though, is what you make of it so we hope you make the most of this compelling opportunity.
In order to make the most of the mentoring relationship, please review the below guidelines:
Mentees
Mentees are law school students and attorneys in their first 3 years of practice.
Mentors
Mentors are attorneys who have 4+ years of experience in the practice of law.
Length of Mentoring Relationship
1 full IPLAC term (June-April)
Meeting Frequency
Ideally, the mentor and mentee will meet at least once a month. Virtual and telephonic meetings are acceptable.
Practice Area
We will try to match mentors and mentees in their intended practice group and personal preferences as much as possible.
The mentoring relationship is a two-way street. We believe that there is always something to learn from another, no matter your age, level of experience, or practice area. We also believe that consistent interaction is key to developing an effective mentoring relationship.
If you have any questions about the Mentoring Committee, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We hope you all continue to stay well, and wish you nothing but the best.
Welcome to the IPLAC Mentoring Program! This guide will explain your role in the program and
what will be expected of you as a mentee.
Program Purpose
Contribute to the success of lawyers and aspiring law students pursuing a career in Intellectual Property Law through a strong, beneficial mentoring relationship.
Your Role
The mentoring program will be mutually beneficial for both the mentor and mentee. While the mentor will be teaching the mentee about the practice of law, mentees should consider finding
ways they can teach their mentor. This can include technology, pro bono opportunities, updates in Intellectual Property Law, the modern law school experience, and even pop culture. Mentees should be cognizant of their mentors’ busy schedules and also actively participate in their relationships with their mentor by responding to communications promptly, coordinating meetings proactively, and brainstorming discussion topics. Mentees should also be proactive in coordinating setting up future meetings with their mentors and are encouraged to come up with discussion topics. Mentees can be law students and attorneys with up to 3 years’ experience practicing law.
Your Commitment
- Maintain regular communications with your mentor: the frequency will be determined by you
and your mentor - Respond to inquiries from your mentor in a timely fashion
- Coordinate meetings with your mentor
- Meet with your mentor once a month.
- Meeting virtually is acceptable
- Find ways you can teach your mentor
What Is Not Included
This program is not intended to be a job referral service. Your mentor’s role in this program does not include finding a job for mentees. However, the advice that a mentor provides may be
beneficial to a job search.
Questions/Concerns?
Should any problems/issues arise during the mentoring term, please let your mentoring committee contact know right away. We understand that not all personalities are compatible, so if a problem develops in the relationship, we will attempt to take the appropriate steps to rectify the situation.
Thank you for volunteering to be a mentor as part of the IPLAC Mentoring Program. This guide will explain your role in the program and what will be expected of you as a mentor.
Program Purpose
Contribute to the success of lawyers and aspiring law students pursuing a career in Intellectual Property Law through a strong, beneficial mentoring relationship.
Your Role
Provide your mentee insights about the legal skills that are not taught in law school and that are important to a successful career. Providing this information about the unwritten rules of legal practice will accelerate the development of young lawyers and law students. You should also share what has worked for you during your career and, most importantly, discuss the pitfalls and mistakes that a young lawyer should avoid.
Your Commitment
- Maintain regular communications with your mentee: the frequency will be determined by you
and your mentee - Respond to inquiries from your mentee in a timely fashion
- Meet with your mentee once a month.
- Meeting virtually is acceptable
- Consider having your mentee visit your office if public health guidelines, your firm’s guidelines, and your work situation permit
- If your mentee has an interest in an area of law that is not your own, consider introducing him/her to someone who practices in that area
Not Your Responsibility
This program is not intended to be a job referral service for mentees. Your role in this program does not include finding a job for a mentee.
Questions/Concerns?
Should any problems/issues arise during the mentoring term, please let the Mentoring Committee know right away. We understand that not all personalities are compatible, so if a problem develops in the relationship, we will attempt to take the appropriate steps to rectify the situation.
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