You graduate law school, pass the bar exam, and land a job.  You are ready to conquer the legal world because you were taught everything that you would possibly need to know while in law school, right?  Think again.

Law school teaches students how to “think” like a lawyer, but the learning process does not, and cannot stop after graduation.  Personally, I discovered very early in my career that I still had much to learn if I wanted to become an effective lawyer.  I have found that many of my colleagues have had similar experiences.

Too often young lawyers do not know where to turn when confronted with this reality.  To those who may find themselves in this situation, I offer one suggestion: take a deep breath and find a good mentor.

Whether it is a more experienced lawyer in your firm, someone you meet in the local bar association or Inn of Court, or a lawyer you connect with using the Florida Bar’s “Lawyers Advising Lawyers” service or the YLD’s “Mentoring Matters” program, mentors are an extremely valuable resource and can provide you with all of the necessary tools to navigate your career.  Some benefits that young lawyers receive from having a mentor include:

• an opportunity to learn the values and traditions of the practice of law from an experienced practitioner;
• an experienced lawyer to turn to when confronted with procedural or ethical issues;
• the enhancement of your competence, reputation and professionalism;
• an immediate increase to your network and career satisfaction;
• faster and easier assimilation into the practice of law.

A great resource currently being offered by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division is the “Mentoring with the Masters” video series.  This video series aims to bridge the gap between law school and the practice of law.  Each video addresses a different topic area and contains helpful hints and practical information that every lawyer should know in order to have a successful career.

The beginning of one’s legal career can be a stressful and daunting time.  You do not have to go it alone though.  There are many great people and programs that are available to provide assistance.  Don’t be afraid to utilize them!

For more information on mentoring programs offered by the Florida Bar and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, please see the helpful links below:

+ Mentoring with the Masters Video Series
+ Mentoring Matters
+ Lawyers Advising Lawyers

Kevin Barr lives in Panama City, Florida and is an associate with Bryant & Higby, Chartered.  He is the representative of the 14th Circuit on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors.