When Big Brother is Watching [Out For] You: Mentoring Lawyers, Choosing a Mentor, and Sharing Ten Virtues from My Mentor

55 Pages Posted: 23 Aug 2007

See all articles by Julie A. Oseid

Julie A. Oseid

University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minnesota)

Abstract

This article examines the importance of mentoring in the legal profession, with an emphasis on how a mentor teaches a lawyer both how to be a successful professional and a successful person. I share my mentor's best advice in the form of ten virtues he has consistently emphasized. I review the history of mentoring in the legal profession, share examples of the current renaissance of legal mentoring, and explain the benefits of legal mentoring. I suggest qualities a lawyer should look for when choosing a mentor.

I then consider the ten virtues I learned from my mentor: diligence, initiative, efficiency, reflection, enjoyment, simplicity, civility, honesty, sharing, and equality. I discuss both the virtues and the practical habits my mentor suggested as ways to achieve each virtue. My hope is that other law students and lawyers will benefit from my mentor's advice. Additionally, I hope my article motivates lawyers to establish their own mentoring relationships.

Keywords: Legal profession, legal ethics, mentoring

Suggested Citation

Oseid, Julie A., When Big Brother is Watching [Out For] You: Mentoring Lawyers, Choosing a Mentor, and Sharing Ten Virtues from My Mentor. South Carolina Law Review, 2008, U of St. Thomas Legal Studies Research Paper No. 07-22, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1008988

Julie A. Oseid (Contact Author)

University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minnesota) ( email )

MSL 400, 1000 La Salle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN Minnesota 55403-2005
United States

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