For law students and young lawyers, an incredible resource I’ve recently discovered that I wish I had “growing up” is Mentor in Law.
Founded by Nyssa P. Chopra, a tech lawyer at Microsoft, it is “pure gold” as one tech lawyer describes it, and I agree.
What I love most about it is that it offers many lawyers’ perspective (not just one perspective), which I believe is what makes a good mentor —-not someone who spouts off “you must” or “you shall” as the “only” way to success, but rather, someone who opens up many possibilities or “meybes” for you to consider so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
For me, truth is that the journey to becoming a lawyer (or reaching whatever your version of success is) will necessarily look differently for different people – and just because it’s different doesn’t make it any less valid, true or valuable.
I was recently highlighted in Volume 10 (along with other lawyers) and if you’re curious, here is some of the content:
What is something you wish you knew about the practice of law during your first few years of practice?
Excellence doesn’t equal perfection. Excellent lawyers are excellent because they have made mistakes and grown – not because they are “perfect.” Perfection is a dangerous myth.
What is one practical skill that you wish you would have learned in law school?
How to receive and process feedback – both positive and negative. It’s important to consider the source, determine if it serves you or not, and to communicate gratitude and grace throughout.
What is one myth you’d bust about being a lawyer?
That we are swarmy and self-serving. In my experience, only a handful of those exist (like in any profession) and everyone else cares deeply and contributes greatly to their communities – through leadership and philanthropy.
Be sure to check out Mentor In Law, join the Linked In group and follow #MentorinLaw for more content like this.
