The MCBA Proudly Introduces: The MCBF's Newly Streamlined Mitchell H. Cobert Mentorship Program
Our newly streamlined program will pair Mentors and Mentees for an annual term running September through June, consisting of at least six meetings and participation in at least two MCBA networking events and at least two court appearances or mediations with the permission of the court approved mediator, parties and counsel. Mentees will generally guide the process of the selection of their Mentor based upon practice area, experience and/or other interests, subject to agreement by the Mentor, with the assistance of the Committee.
Participation in the program is confidential, unless the Mentee agrees otherwise.
What is the Purpose of the Program?
Mentees receive advice and guidance to assist them in meeting their personal and professional goals. The format allows for in-depth discussions about important topics, including wellbeing and stress management, in addition to problem solving, support and networking. Both sides maintain professional boundaries and the process is confidential, so that Mentor and Mentee can discuss issues they may not feel comfortable speaking about with colleagues.
What happens during the Mentoring sessions?
Sketching out a plan to work toward the Mentee’s goals throughout the year.
Tracking and acknowledging progress during and after each meeting, and redirecting the course of discussions, as necessary.
Maintaining professional boundaries.
Scheduling the next meeting at the close of each session.
Deciding if there will be any follow up, and if so, what type.
What are the benefits of participating?
Mentees will learn about networking, professional development and benefit from the advice and perspective of Mentors.
Mentors who give of themselves to invest time and share their knowledge and experience with young lawyers may be surprised to see how they, too, learn and grow from this collaboration.
Mentee Criteria
Mentee requirements:
- Must be a member of the MCBA.
- A lawyer admitted to the practice in New Jersey for five years or less or over five years if changing area of practice (practicing in new area of law less than six months) and would like to be mentored in a practice area new to you.
- Must not have received a disciplinary sanction since admission.
- A law school graduate not yet admitted to practice.
- Must have malpractice insurance coverage, if actively practicing.
- Mentees can indicate the area of interest in which they are seeking to be mentored, and the committee will seek to match the Mentee with an appropriate Mentor.
Mentor Criteria
Mentor requirements:
- Must be a member of the MCBA.
- A lawyer admitted to the practice in New Jersey for at least five years and must not have received a disciplinary sanction within the past five years.
- Must have malpractice insurance coverage.
- Must read the Commission on Professionalism and the Law Principles of Professionalism and any codes of conduct or civility promulgated by the Morris County Bar Association.
Interested in joining? Fill out a Mentee or Mentor application today!
Return your application, and for all questions concerning becoming a Mentor, please contact: Linda Mainenti Walsh at Linda@mainentiwalshlaw.com.
Return your application, and for all questions concerning becoming a Mentee, please contact: Michelle Bendek Barone at mbenedek@lawjw.com or
Jennifer M. Cornelius at JMCesqLLC@outlook.com.
