Emory Law School is entering a new and exciting era that is being ushered in under the leadership of David Partlett, the newly appointed dean, who follows a long line of distinguished and dedicated educators who have propelled Emory to prominence. The law class of 2010 has joined the Emory community with the idealism, nervousness, and excitement that many of us felt when we were 1L’s. I hope that all alumni of the law school and the Emory community share the common goal of having the students maximize his and her own individual law school experience and by so doing, continue the Emory tradition of excellence, so that the school’s reputation grows and Emory becomes a destination of choice for students and faculty; fulfilling its destiny of continuing to make significant contributions to the profession and scholarship serving people the worldover.
Dean Partlett has challenged us to reengage with the law school and assist his efforts to move the school forward through collaborative learning opportunities. I am honored to serve as the alumni chair for the 2007-08 Mentor Program. I hope you will join me and volunteer to mentor one of the school’s 1Ls by registering here.
The commitment is small; the opportunity to shape a future is enormous. I believe that most of us have been fortunate enough to have had a mentor in our career; someone who understood that part of our obligation as lawyers is to pass on the profession to the next generation and to impart the practical knowledge and experience that one can only gain by practicing law. Consider how influential your mentor has been to you and where you would be without your mentor’s guidance. You may have obtained your mentor by simple good fortune. It is our goal to increase the opportunity for 1L’s to have mentors by a more formal program as opposed to sheer luck. Here is where you can come and make a profound difference in the life of an aspiring lawyer, with little expenditure of time from your busy practice.
How Does The Mentor Program Work?
The Law School will match you with a protégé from the Class of 2010. Matching criteria include shared practice areas and backgrounds. If you live outside of Atlanta, we'll match you with a student for e-mentoring, likely with a student who plans to live in your area after graduation.
What do you have to do?
We are coaching the students to build a relationship with you—initiating contact, being responsive, and setting the pace for the relationship. Expect to talk, email, or meet with your protégé about once a month to share advice, direction, and wisdom. Plan to attend sponsored Alumni Mentor Program events with your protégé a couple of times a year. Share a meal or casual time with your protégé. Consider hosting him or her at your workplace where they can see your work first hand.
Click here to sign up to be a mentor. I would be delighted to answer any questions you might have and speak further about this program. Please don’t hesitate to call (770.390.9200) or email (rjk(at)kauflaw.net). Come share in this rewarding experience. You will benefit as much as your protégé – maybe even more. After all, this time around you can experience the first year of law school without the fear of finals.
Best regards,
Robert J. Kaufman
Classof 1975
Alumni Chair – Emory Law School Mentoring Program