GP|Solo’s Mentoring Program Is Different Than All the Rest

Program requirements include:

• Attending several court activities, alternative dispute resolution meetings, or other legal proceedings;
• Receiving guidance and advice from an experienced practitioner of your choosing; and
• Practicing interview techniques and developing a resume and cover letter with your mentor.
• View the requirements and register for the program (Requires login)

While most mentoring programs are based on occasional meetings between seasoned practitioners and young lawyers, GP|Solo’s Law Student Mentoring Program does more. The program, aimed to fill some of the gaps of traditional law school education, focuses on introducing law students to the practical aspects of being a lawyer through real world activities and the mentor’s insight and guidance. Further, the program is flexible, enabling the law student to pick his or her own mentor and tailor the program’s criteria to his or her own interests.

Law Student Mentoring Program
By completing the law student mentoring program, students will have established a strong relationship with their mentors, witnessed several legal proceedings of their choosing, and gained valuable insight to the things law school doesn’t teach. Each student who successfully completes the program earns an acknowledgement as a token of his or her accomplishment.

All GP|Solo Law Student Members Are Eligible
All law students are eligible to participate in the program, so long as you’re a member of the ABA and GP|Solo. The ABA’s annual dues for law students is $25.00. Law student membership in GP|Solo is free. You can join GP|Solo when you join the ABA. By the way, the mentoring program is only the tip of the iceberg of great features of GP|Solo law student membership. Visit GPSolo’s law student webpage for more information on the benefits of free law student membership.

Any Attorney Can Serve As a Mentor
Law students are free to choose any licensed attorney practicing any legal area in any legal setting to serve as a mentor, regardless of the attorney’s membership status in the ABA or GP|Solo. In other words, any attorney can be your mentor.

The Flexible Program Suits Your Schedule
One of the beauties of the program is its flexibility. Students complete the program at their own pace. We recommend each mentor and mentee meet at least once a month, but you’re free to set your own schedule. We also recommend that you complete the program prior to law school graduation, so you can feature this great experience on your resume and share it with potential employers.

How Do I Start?
First, join the ABA’s Law Student Division ($25.00) and the GP|Solo Division (free). Second, view the requirements and register for the program. Next, find an attorney agreeable to serving as your mentor, such as a law professor, your current or former employer, or a family friend. View the Mentoring Program's FAQ for further guidance in finding a mentor. Then, complete the program with your mentor’s supervision. Finally, prepare the program paperwork and submit it to genpractice@abanet.org.