1. MENTOR

The role of a CABL mentor is to share her/his knowledge and wisdom about the legal profession with a Black law student in Canada. By revealing the realities of the job market and the expectations of the profession, the mentor contributes to greater success for the mentee. Furthermore, this is a great way for mentors to expand their personal network

ELIGIBILITY

Mentors must be CABL members who are lawyers in good standing with the law society in every jurisdiction in which they are called.

MENTOR'S ROLE

Mentors may be asked to:
• Provide guidance in resume-building and development
• Provide guidance in interview techniques
• Assist with identification and enhancement of the student's marketable skills
• Provide information on different areas/types of law
• Advise on career alternatives
• Assist with career goals for career development
• Advise on job search strategies
• Introduce the student to professional and/or business organizations for networking purposes

POTENTIAL TOPICS OF DISCUSSION-MENTOR TO STUDENT

• Discuss and share your expectations for the mentoring relationship
• Set ground rules for upcoming meetings: formal or informal, agenda or no agenda, etc.
• Explore your mentee's knowledge of your industry sector and functional specialization
• Ask what lifestyle expectations your mentee has and advise them on the lifestyle needed to succeed in your area of law
• Determine whether your mentee's skill set and interests match their career choice
• Advise on techniques for job searches and practice job interview skills
• Introduce your mentee to your professional and business colleagues
• Discuss current global issues and trends
• Advise your mentee on how to avoid pitfalls from your own experience

COMMITMENT

•A mentor should meet with their student, preferably in person, for at least one hour per month while participating in the program. Meetings should be scheduled in advance at a convenient time and place, and we recommend that the student travel to the mentor’s office for meetings. Regular communication can also be arranged by e-mail, telephone and/or other appropriate means, as agreed upon by both parties. The location and time is to be negotiated by both parties.
• It is the student's responsibility to establish and maintain contact with the mentor, and to schedule meetings or communication. It is also the student's responsibility to prepare for each meeting with relevant questions for discussion. A mentor may ask that the student send an agenda prior to the meeting.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the CABL Mentoring Program Coordinator at the following e-mail address: mentoring@cabl.ca

APPLICATION

To apply to become a mentor please complete the attached application form.

2. MENTEE

As a mentee you will…

• Have opportunities to meet appropriate Mentors based on your profile and input
• Receive support and guidance on:
• the academic year
• resume-building and development
• interview techniques
• identification and enhancement of marketable skills
• different areas/types of law
• career alternatives
• career goals for career development
• job search strategies
• how to adjust more easily to law school life
• Be involved the Black legal community in Canada
• Develop contacts and introductions to professional and/or business organizations for networking purposes
• Develop self-confidence, improve interpersonal skills which will in turn develop leadership qualities in you;
• Be expected to share your learning with other Black law students

ELIGIBILITY

Mentees must be CABL members in good standing (open to all Black law students in Canada).

EXPECTATIONS

• To set clear goals and communicate them to the mentor
• To establish and maintain contact with the mentor, and to schedule monthly communications or meetings
• To prepare for each meeting with relevant questions for discussion
• To respect the mentor's schedule and be on time for meetings
• To act in a professional manner
• Communicate any concerns or suggestions that you have to the CABL Mentor Program Coordinator at the following email address: mentoring@cabl.ca

APPLICATION

To apply to become a mentee please complete the attached application form.