SCLA Mentorship Program FAQ

What is a Mentee?

A mentee of the SCLA Mentorship program is defined as any member of the SCLA.

What is a Mentor?

A mentor of the SCLA Mentorship program is defined as any member of the SCLA with 7+ years of experience

How does the program work?

The mentoring program has no defined form. Meetings will be determined by the goals of the matched mentor and mentee, and while it may include things like sharing feedback, taking part in a mentoring activity, and scheduling the next meeting, there are many ways that a mentoring meeting can take place, such as:

• Meeting virtually
• Meeting in person
• Attending an event or activity

The mentoring program will involve regular meetings between mentor and mentee. The preferred meeting method is to be determined between mentoring partners.
Each mentoring partnership will be defined by the needs of the mentee. In addition to helping mentees achieve their goals and grow in their careers, types of mentoring activities that may take place during a meeting include:

• Practice skills such as interviewing, fees and billing practices, networking, and meeting with clients.

Other features of our mentoring program include:

• Social events
• Continuous support provided by the SCLA to meet the needs of both mentors and mentees

What is the purpose of the program?

The SCLA Mentorship program aims to support professional growth, and foster meaningful connections. By pairing experienced professionals with mentee lawyers, the program intends to strengthen the quality of legal expertise in Simcoe County.

What are the expectations of mentors?

• Commit to 4 hours a month, per 6-month commitment of a mentoring relationship
• Meeting in your preferred method, at minimum, 2 times a month
• Provide mentoring on aspects of a variety of practice areas for topics important to the mentee
• Submit a feedback report at the end of the initial 6-month commitment 
• Sign a contract

What are the expectations of mentees?

• Commit to 4 hours a month, per 6-month commitment of a mentoring relationship
• Meeting in your preferred method, at minimum, 2 times a month
• Provide goals and expectations of the mentorship partnership
• Submit a feedback report at the end of the initial 6-month commitment 
• Sign a contract

How are mentors and mentees matched?

Mentees will be supported by SCLA members who will pass on knowledge and skills that they have gained through their own experience.

• Interested mentors and mentees will apply to the program
• Assignments will be made based on mentee needs and mentor profiles. 
• Matches may be reviewed if either mentor or mentee find they are not a good fit for each other

What are the benefits of the program? 

Benefits for mentees:

• Gain career advice and professional growth
• Obtain practical knowledge and develop skills
• Build relationships and expand your professional network
• Receive guidance for achieving your goals

Benefits for mentors:

• Share your knowledge and experience with others
• Enhance leadership and communication skills
• Expand your professional network
• Gain insight from lawyers at different career stages

Can you earn CPD credits from the mentorship program?

The SCLA Mentorship Program provides opportunities for mentors and mentees to earn up to 12 CPD credits every year.  For reporting CPD hours, an application must be made to the Law Society on the CPD reporting page