GP|Solo Law Student

The GP|Solo Mentoring Certificate Program

By Edward Neusteter

In 2005, the ABA General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division (GP|Solo) created the nation’s first law student mentoring certificate program. I was privileged to be the first student to earn the certificate. The aim of the program is to introduce law students to some of the practical aspects of being a lawyer through mentoring with an attorney of the student’s own choosing, and completion of a range of certificate requirements, including attendance at legal proceedings, bar association events, and developing practical skills.

The GP|Solo Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program gave me the opportunity to ask questions and receive candid answers about life and the practice of law. This alone made participation in the program worthwhile. However, for many other reasons the mentoring program was a valuable experience. For example, I was given the opportunity to attend a bar association event held aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway in San Diego, California. For anyone attending the event it was enjoyable and memorable, but for me it was also an opportunity to complete one of the Mentoring Certificate Program requirements. Additionally, I fulfilled requirements for the certificate by attending a hearing in Probate Court and participating in a real estate closing. Another major highlight of the Mentoring Certificate Program was observing oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. All of my experiences fulfilled requirements for the Mentoring Certificate Program and differed from my traditional law school education. I believe these dynamic interplay has helped prepare me for what I aspire to in the profession.

The Mentoring Certificate Program also complimented the less traditional aspects of my law school education. For example, I clerked in the office of a very busy litigator before I participated in the Mentoring Certificate Program. Also, since completing the Program, I practiced as a certified student attorney at the legal aid clinic operated by Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Both clerking and being a student attorney exposed me to daily life in a law firm, and gave me insight into the life of a litigator. I consider these “stepping stones” between law school and the profession. Likewise, the Mentoring Certificate Program was another stepping stone bringing me closer to professional practice, and expanding my vision of what the profession will be like. However, the Mentoring Certificate Program differed from my previous experiences, because it allowed me to discuss the challenges and benefits of practicing law with a seasoned practitioner in a casual environment. Particularly, when I was in a busy law firm or participating in the legal aid clinic with several other students, the attorneys supervising us were more managers than mentors. However, the GP Solo Mentoring Certificate Program allowed me to share time with my mentor, and we were able to talk about the profession and talk about maintaining a personal life. My mentor shared his wisdom and his experience with me, without the distractions a supervising attorney might have otherwise faced. Perhaps because the Mentoring Certificate Program is purely voluntary for both mentor and student, unlike when I was a student attorney or law clerk, I felt like I was a colleague rather than an assistant.

For all of these reasons, I recommend the Mentoring Certificate Program to every law student preparing to enter the profession.

Edward Neusteter is a 2007 graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He is sitting for the February 2008 California Bar Exam, and plans on practicing law in San Diego.

Copyright 2008