Career Immersion Mentoring Program

The Young Lawyers Section (YLS) provides several opportunities for law students to receive mentoring and guidance from members of the bar and to gain practical insights into everyday legal practice. 

Program Description

The YLS has developed a unique career immersion mentoring program which will pair 2L law students with attorney mentors who will guide you through a series of experiences that will benefit your career.  Examples of experiences may include conducting a mock interview, shadowing the attorney during a virtual hearing or deposition, or having the attorney edit a writing sample. You must a current law student member of the CBA to participate.   Spots are filled on a first come first served basis. We try our best to pair students with an attorney in their practice area of interest, but remember that there is something to be learned from every mentor!
 

Summer 2024 Program Schedule and Materials

Click here to download the Summer 2024 Program Worksheet. 

Week 1: Service (June 17)

Conversation starters:
• What is meant by service?
• Why are service projects necessary for new attorneys?
• What does pro bono work look like? 
• What are the benefits of pro bono for lawyers?
• What qualities and skills are needed for pro bono work?
• What are the Illinois Supreme Court requirements concerning pro bono hours?
• How do you keep track of pro bono hours?
• Are you required to submit your pro bono hours to the ARDC? If so, how?
• Do my pro bono hours have to align with my practice?
• Besides pro bono, what other types of service are available for attorneys?

Suggested activities:
• Participate in a virtual pro bono opportunity
• Participate in a non-virtual pro bono opportunity
• Volunteer or Intern with Lawyers for the Creative Arts
• Volunteer with Legal Aid Chicago
• Volunteer with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services 

Resources:
• How to Find Purpose Through Pro Bono
• Law Practice Today – The Benefits of Community Service to the Lawyer
• The Heightened Importance of Pro Bono Work During a Pandemic
• Find volunteer opportunities with Pili  

Week 2: Making Connections (June 24)
Conversation starters: 
• How does one go about networking in the legal field? 
• Where should one go to make connections? 
• Who does one reach out to in order to network? 
• What is the necessity and value of making connections in the legal profession?
• What are some tips on how to build connections and network effectively?  

Suggested activities:
• Mentor coordinates virtual meet-up with another lawyer or judge to introduce mentee to
• Organize a group networking meeting with other program participants in similar practice area (suggested practice area groups will be emailed to program participants)
• Read and discuss networking tips 
• Mentor shares an example of how they have effectively networked in their career or practice
• Mentor and mentee brainstorm ways for mentee to build a network for a particular practice area, including tips for starting to build networks before graduating law school

Resources:
• Lewis & Clark Law School – The Rules of Law Student Engagement (Networking Advice)
• How to Network Like a Pro in Law School

Conversation starters: 
• What skills not traditionally taught in law school are necessary to succeed in the profession? 
• How did mentors go about learning these skills? 
• What are valuable experiences to incorporate into the mentee’s time in law school that would help prepare them for the practice of law?

Suggested activities:
• Mentor arranges for mentee to shadow a deposition, court hearing, or client meeting (virtually or in person)
• Mentor reviews mentee’s writing sample
• Mentor offers 3-5 personalized tips on navigating unwritten legal cultural rules
• Mentor and mentee attend virtual court proceeding during a weekday and discuss after
        Click here to view Cook County LiveStream court hearing options 
        Click here to view Lake County LiveStream court hearing options
 
Resources:
• ABA for Law Students – The Importance of Gaining Practical Legal Skills
• Above the Law – Seven Skills Attorneys Have


Week 4: Career Preparation (July 15)
Conversation starters: 
• Mentors, what steps did you take to prepare for your career? 
• How did you narrow down your interested practice areas, search for firms, and succeed once you secured employment? 
• Mentees, what are your immediate and long-term career goals?

Suggested Activities:
• Mentor conducts a virtual mock interview with mentee and provides feedback • Mentor reviews mentees resume and provides feedback • Mentor discusses with mentees on how to better “sponsor” their career growth  • Attend a Career Advancement Program together and discuss what was learned

• Harvard Law School – Questions and Answers for a Mock Interview
• New England Law – How to Write Your Law School Resume with No Legal Experience

Week 5: Thought Leadership (July 22)
Suggested activities you two may want to coordinate this month:
• Mentees may read these 10 tips on how to become a thought leader and discuss with their mentor 
• Discuss what it means to be a thought leader in a particular area of practice and how mentee can strive to be one.
• Mentor shares examples of thought leaders in their practice area or network
• Mentee drafts and mentor reviews an article for the CBA’s @theBar Blog
• Mentor reviews a piece written by mentee for another publication of mentee’s choosing

Resources and links that may supplement your discussion and learning experience:
• Above the Law – Three Thoughts on Thought Leadership
• Attoney at Work – How to Become a Thought Leader
Week 6: Program Wrap-Up