NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH: How to Cultivate Legal Talent Through Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Practical Education
For almost fifty years, Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP has been fostering the development of our associates through a comprehensive approach that includes mentorship and sponsorship, coupled with hands-on practical legal education. Mentorship and sponsorship are two pillars of professional development, each playing a unique role in shaping an attorney's career.
What is Mentorship?
Mentorship involves the guidance and advice provided by experienced attorneys to their mentees. It's a relationship built on trust, knowledge-sharing, and personal development. At Hoagland Longo, our commitment to mentorship ensures that every associate and junior attorney has a seasoned professional to turn to for guidance, support, and insights into the legal landscape. Each year, junior attorneys are matched with two mentors – a mid-level attorney, as well as a senior partner – who guide them through the firm. Mentor groups are always comprised of attorneys from different legal teams and different practice areas – to ensure that every attorney has the opportunity to meet and create a rapport with colleagues who are outside of their departments. This structure allows an associate to be mentored and form a relationship with senior partners at the firm who play a key role when the associate is up for partnership.
What is Sponsorship?
Sponsorship, on the other hand, goes beyond mentorship. It involves actively advocating for the career advancement of an individual. Sponsors leverage their influence to open doors, provide opportunities, and champion their protégés within the firm and the legal community at large. At Hoagland Longo, we understand the power of sponsorship in propelling careers forward, and we actively engage in fostering such relationships for the benefit of our attorneys.
What is Practical Legal Education?
Education doesn't end in the classroom; it extends to the practical application of legal skills. At Hoagland Longo, we take pride in offering onsite practical legal education to our associates. This includes immersive sessions on essential skills such as taking depositions, cross-examining experts, crafting an opening or closing statement, reviewing medical records, and trying cases in court.
Our goal is to equip our attorneys with the hands-on experience they need to navigate the complexities of the legal profession confidently. Workshops led by seasoned practitioners provide invaluable insights, tips, and techniques that go beyond theoretical knowledge, preparing our associates for real-world challenges.
Our Commitment to Growth
Our commitment to the growth of our associates isn't just a statement – it's a practice ingrained in our firm's culture. We believe that investing in our legal talent not only benefits the individual attorney but elevates the collective strength of our entire firm.
At Hoagland Longo, we understand that nurturing legal talent requires a holistic approach. Mentorship, sponsorship, and practical legal education are integral components of our commitment to the professional development of our associates. Join us on a journey of growth, where excellence is not just encouraged but actively cultivated.
If you are interested in learning more about Hoagland Longo’s culture, please do not hesitate to contact Andrea C. Mackaronis at amackaronis@hoaglandlongo.com or at 732-545-4717. If you want to learn more about employment opportunities at Hoagland Longo, please visit our Careers page.