This program is designed for students who are interesting in learning more about a specific career path. We take the time to find experienced alumni mentors who work in fields or settings of interest to the students, so they can learn more about a specific practice area or environment, get connected with other attorneys who do the work they want to do, find out about the most helpful professional organizations to get involved with, and gain some observational opportunities. While some students have received job offers as a result of the program, it is not a placement program and mentors are under no obligation to help students find employment.
Requirements and Expectations for Participation:
Students: Students in our part-time enrollment options and full-time 2L and 3L students who who are interested in learning more about a specific career path are eligible to participate. Priority will be given to students nearer graduation. Students should carefully consider whether they are committed to taking full advantage of what an alumni mentor has to offer. Students will be invited to apply to participate when they are eligible.
Alumni: Alumni who live outside the Twin Cities, who graduated before 2010 if living in the Twin Cities, or who simply prefer a one-on-one mentoring relationship are invited to join our roster of available mentors. While we’re unable to guarantee that you’ll be matched with a student, we’ll look to our roster first when trying to match students with a mentor.
Alumni are asked to commit to connecting with their student two-three times and to offer students the following:
- Information about your work and, if possible, a job shadow opportunity;
- Introductions to three or more contacts in your field;
- An opportunity to attend some kind of observational experience, such as a hearing, a closing, a trial, a mediation, etc.
- An opportunity to attend a professional event with you such as a bar meeting or reception.