Mentorship in Motion: Reflections from a Summer with Our Summer Associates

This summer, I’ve had the privilege of working more closely with the Lathrop GPM class of summer associates as one of the work coordinators. Having experienced a summer program disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand, I’ve especially appreciated the chance to help this talented group navigate what is, in some ways, a two-month job interview—all while also exploring career paths, learning about different legal practices, locating the printers and bathrooms, and hopefully enjoying a bit of the beautiful Twin Cities summer in between.

Maybe it’s a bit of nostalgic projection for an experience I didn’t fully get to enjoy, but I genuinely hope our summer associates walk away feeling supported during this unique and formative stage of their legal journey. To me, that’s the essence of mentorship.

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors—gracious, patient, forgiving, and uplifting individuals who’ve helped shape my path. As I continue to grow as an associate here at Lathrop GPM, I’m trying to be more intentional about cultivating those same kinds of relationships—learning from the wealth of expertise around me and offering guidance to newer associates whenever I can.

Mentorship isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s good business, not just for law firms but even for startups and other entrepreneurial enterprises. According to Gallup, employees with mentors are twice as likely to be engaged at work, a key factor in satisfaction and retention. In the legal world, mentorship helps you learn the law; sponsorship—those who advocate for your advancement—helps you grow into your role and meet the demands of the profession (yes, including those pesky billable hours). Whether it’s an informative nudge on a tough project or a meaningful conversation over coffee, mentorship can profoundly shape someone’s experience at work. Yet, only 40% of employees report having a mentor, and just 23% have a sponsor. That’s a missed opportunity—not just for individuals, but for organizations.

The impact of mentorship extends beyond the workplace. For young people especially, having a supportive adult can be a critical buffer against anxiety and depression. It’s a reminder that mentorship, at its core, is about connection, support, and growth—something we all benefit from, no matter where we are in our careers.

As our summer associates wrap up their time with us, my hope is that they leave not only with sharpened legal skills and new professional insights, but also with the sense that they were seen, supported, and encouraged. If we’ve done our jobs right, they’ll carry that experience forward—both as future lawyers and, one day, as mentors themselves.