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Presidents Circle Mentorship Program

The Women Lawyers’ Association Presidents Circle Mentorship Program connects current WLA members and law students with former WLA Presidents who volunteer to serve as mentors. The program is designed to foster professional development, leadership growth, and meaningful connection within the legal community.

WLA facilitates the initial mentor and mentee match and introduction. Thereafter, mentorship relationships operate independently between the participants.

 

Program Leadership and Applications

The Immediate Past President of WLA shall serve as Chair of the Presidents Circle Mentorship Program. The Chair will coordinate initial mentor outreach, oversee the matching process, and serve as the primary point of contact for the program. The Chair may be supported by the WLA Mentorship Chair as needed for administration and participant communication.

Members, law students, and Past Presidents interested in participating as mentees or mentors may apply by emailing the Immediate Past President. For the current term, inquiries and applications should be directed to Stephanie Black at sblack@grgpc.com and WLA Executive Director Claire Bruntrager at admin@wlastl.org.

 

Participation

Participation is voluntary for both mentors and mentees. Mentors are WLA Past Presidents who elect to participate.  Mentees may include WLA members and law students who apply to participate. Participation is subject to the availability of mentors.

 

Time Commitment and Expectations

Mentors and mentees are encouraged to connect approximately four times per year in a format mutually agreed upon, including in person, phone, or virtual meetings. Meetings may include career guidance, leadership development, professional skills, networking advice, and general mentorship topics.  Scheduling and communication are the responsibility of the mentor and mentee.

 

Program Term

The standard term for participation in the Presidents Circle Mentorship Program shall be the calendar year, running from January 1 through December 31. Participants may elect to continue their mentorship relationship beyond the initial term by mutual agreement.

For the inaugural launch year, participation may begin on a rolling basis due to the timing of program implementation. Mentor and mentee matches made after the start of the calendar year may continue through the remainder of the year and may renew for the following calendar year by mutual agreement.

Beginning with the 2027 calendar year and beyond, prospective mentee participants should submit a request to participate by emailing the Immediate Past President no later than December 1 of the prior calendar year.

 

Role of WLA

WLA’s role is limited to collecting interest, facilitating initial matches, and making introductions. WLA does not supervise, monitor, or evaluate individual mentorship relationships. WLA does not provide professional, legal, employment, or career guarantees through participation in the program.

 

Professional Conduct

All participants are expected to engage respectfully and professionally.  Confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries should be maintained.  Participants should avoid conflicts of interest and comply with applicable ethical obligations.

 

Duration

Mentorship relationships are encouraged to continue for at least one year but may continue longer by mutual agreement of the participants.

 

Program Modifications

WLA reserves the right to modify or discontinue the program at any time based on participation levels and organizational needs.