In today’s episode, I dive into one of the most common challenges for lawyers in large law firms—finding the right mentor. It's a common problem as formal mentoring programs may fall short of providing meaningful guidance, it can be hard to find mentors with the time to really connect with you, and figuring out who is best to help you navigate the particular hurdles you're facing in your work life isn't always clear. In this episode discuss how to identify the potential mentors both inside and outside your firm, how to approach them, and how to cultivate a valuable, long-term mentoring relationship. Whether you’re looking for guidance on firm politics, client relationships, or business development, identifying the right kind of mentor is truly important.
I share practical strategies for seeking out mentors who can provide specific, actionable advice—no vague career tips or generic feedback. If you’ve ever struggled to find someone who truly supports your professional growth, this episode will give you a roadmap for making those crucial connections.
At a Glance:
00:00 Introduction to Big Law Life and how to approach mentoring in Big Law
01:20 Why formal mentoring programs often fall short
02:08 How to identify lawyers who could be strong mentors
03:39 The importance of observing how senior lawyers communicate, give feedback, and handle client relationships
05:18 Learning from lawyers who explain complex concepts clearly and concisely
06:34 Don’t limit yourself. Mentors don’t have to look like you or share your background
07:25 Building an organic relationship instead of asking outright for mentorship
09:07 Making yourself available and showing initiative in seeking mentorship
10:40 Why a single mentor may not meet all your needs & the importance of building a network of mentors
12:15 The value of external mentors and non-lawyer advisors
14:10 How to approach busy lawyers and ask for guidance without overstepping
15:32 Maintaining and nurturing your mentor relationships over time
17:02 How to stay visible to your mentor without becoming a burden
18:24 A strategic approach to checking in with mentors and keeping them engaged
19:08 Acknowledging and appreciating your mentor’s time and contributions
19:39 Why recognizing your mentor’s help strengthens the relationship
20:05 Closing thoughts on the importance of mentorship in Big Law
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.
For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast here!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:
laura@lauraterrell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/
Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast
