Is the Ready.Set.Practice. New Lawyer Mentoring Program Mandatory?
No. While all newly admitted members of the State Bar of Wisconsin are encouraged to take advantage of mentoring and the opportunities presented by a formal mentoring program, participation is not mandatory.
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are Wisconsin Bar members in good standing who have at least six years of experience in the practice of law, who have not been disciplined, who have a reputation for competence and conducting themselves ethically/professionally, and who carry professional liability insurance.
How are mentors selected?
Potential mentors may be nominated by other mentors, volunteer, or be specifically recruited by a mentee. Mentors who fill out an application, and agree to the terms and qualifications of the program, will be available to be matched with a mentee.
Do mentors get any special training?
Yes. A webinar training will be available to watch through the Ready.Set.Practice. website. Additionally, mentors and mentees should refer to the manual for support or contact Katie Castle-Wisman at kcastlewisman@wisbar.org with any questions.
How do I find a mentor?
A new lawyer fills out the mentee application and will be matched with a mentor based off of common career goals, practice area, and/or location. If the new lawyer specifically requests a mentor who has a similar identity, such as race or gender, this will be taken into consideration during the matching process as well.
Does my mentor have to be a lawyer in my firm?
No. Lawyers employed in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices may be matched with a mentor in the same firm or office; however, new lawyers may also be matched with or request an “outside” mentor. During the matching process, the priority is to match mentors and mentees with the most common career goals, practice areas, and/or location with other considerations taken into account upon request.
Can I choose my own mentor?
We ask that new lawyers trust the matching process to be paired with the mentor that can best help to facilitate productive conversation, offer practical guidance, and give relevant personal and professional mentorship. The applications prompt new lawyers to offer specific information on personal and professional goals and considerations so the matching process can be as successful as possible.
What is the Mentoring Plan?
The Mentoring Plan is filled out by the mentor and mentee during their initial meeting. It sets out the activities the mentee will work on with the mentor during the mentoring year. The Mentoring Handbook contains many examples of activities for the Mentoring Plan, which may include core curriculum activities and practice area activities.
If a mentee wishes to focus on a substantive area not covered in the manual, the mentee and the mentor may identify basic skill activities related to that substantive area.
How much time will the Mentoring Plan require?
The Mentoring Plan is designed to be completed in approximately twelve months if the mentee and mentor meet regularly.
What do I do if I have an issue with my mentor or mentee?
If a mentor or mentee is not making time for regular meetings or is not providing helpful guidance, you may ask to withdraw from the mentoring relationship. Mentees are encouraged to give the relationship some time to develop and to remember that the mentor may not be able to satisfy all of the needs for support that the mentee may have. Contact Katie Castle-Wisman at kcastlewisman@wisbar.org with any questions or concerns.
Do mentees receive CLE credit for participating in the mentoring program?
No. Wisconsin does not allow CLE credit for mentoring.
Do mentors receive CLE credit?
No. Wisconsin does not allow CLE credit for mentoring.
Additional questions? Contact Katie Castle-Wisman, kcastlewisman@wisbar.org.
