Sept. 18, 2024 – As a solo attorney with her own firm, Melinda Hoey knows it can be difficult to get answers to her practice questions.

Hoey is owner and attorney with Lakefront Law, LLC, in Hudson, where her practice focuses on estate planning. She earned her J.D. in 2020 and joined the State Bar of Wisconsin in November 2022.

“I am new to law, and I’m out on my own as a solo attorney,” Hoey said. She was reaching out to other attorneys, but once she learned about the State Bar of Wisconsin's mentorship program Ready. Set. Practice., she signed up for 2024. “I knew I could benefit from it.”

The program connects lawyers and law students seeking mentors with experienced lawyers who volunteer to help them with law practice management, effective client representation, and career development.

A Lesson for Mentees: The Power of Connections

“I am new to law, and I’m out on my own as a solo attorney,” says Melinda Hoey, owner and attorney with Lakefront Law, LLC, in Hudson. Once she learned about the State Bar of Wisconsin mentorship program Ready. Set. Practice., she signed up. “I knew I could benefit from it.”

The biggest lesson she has learned thus far – that “connections with other attorneys help me in many ways,” Hoey said.

“It helps to have someone who you can go to with questions about how things work, who will give a great third-party perspective on things,” she said.

Hoey was paired with Jeff Muszynski, attorney and owner of Lagom Law, LLC, in New Richmond. His practice areas include personal injury, civil litigation, and mediation.

The program introduces you to a colleague willing to be a mentor. “People who are willing to mentor others are usually very kind and helpful people, and the kind of people who you want to get to know,” Hoey said. “Jeff has been a trusted mentor. I feel like I can go to him with my questions without judgment and he provides a great perspective.”

While the program concludes in December, Hoey knows her connection with her mentor will continue. “I see the relationship lasting longer than just this year because I’ve gained a new trusted friend,” Hoey said.

Why Be a Mentor: Give Back, Build the Profession, Make a Connection

This is Muszynski’s second year as a mentor in Ready. Set. Practice. He signed up to help a less-experienced attorney learn that there is support in the profession from more experienced lawyers. He signed up for a second year to continue helping the next generation of lawyers.

“Practicing, particularly as a young lawyer and even more so as a small-firm or solo lawyer, can be very isolating and anxiety-provoking,” Muszynski said.

His goal is to ensure that isn’t the situation for younger lawyers. “Having someone outside of your supervisors, who can just listen, support you, and offer advice and assistance is a way to give back to the bar and help others build our profession in more supportive ways,” he said.

“Sharing knowledge and experience helps the whole profession.”

It is especially important for lawyers in rural areas – experienced attorneys should take the time to get to know the newer attorneys and help them become involved and part of their local bar and legal community.

“There is a real benefit to the practice to help younger attorneys serve their clients effectively. At a basic level it is good for marketing and business growth,” he said, “but I think the benefit to the profession is much more important.

“It is also a really rewarding experience to share your experience with the challenges of the practice of law,” he said.

The Best Part of Ready. Set. Practice.

“Sharing knowledge and experience helps the whole profession,” says Jeff Muszynski, owner of Lagom Law, LLC, in New Richmond, and a volunteer mentor with the Ready. Set. Practice. program. He was paired with Melinda Hoey.

For mentors, the best part of the program, says Muszynski, is getting to know others in practice areas that differ from their own. “You get to know them as both a lawyer and a person.

“This program creates opportunities to get to know people you likely never would have, and to develop friendships, and lasting relationships in the profession,” Muszynski said.

“I highly recommend anyone of any experience level take the opportunity to share your story, experience, and time with others through this program.”

Sign Up Now as Mentor or Mentee – Here’s How

Ready. Set. Practice. is a volunteer mentoring program that matches lawyers in need with experienced mentors who can assist them with law practice management, effective client representation, and career development. The program also matches law students with practicing lawyers.

Currently, the program is open for applications through Oct. 15. The program runs the calendar year, from January to December 2025. If you are an experienced lawyer interested in sharing your knowledge with a colleague, this program is for you.

If you are a lawyer just starting out, a law student, or an experienced lawyer who seeks guidance in a new practice area, apply to be a mentee. Law students are encouraged to sign up.

Participants in the program have access to many materials and resources designed to save time and assist in creating a plan and goals. For more information, visit the Ready. Set. Practice. resource page on WisBar.org.

Sign up by Oct. 15. Fill out the application at wisbar.org/readysetpractice – either:

• as a mentee;

• as a mentor; or

• as a law student.

Don’t hesitate – we’re filling the openings on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions? Contact Karen Beall, State Bar member services program assistant.