CLF Mentoring Programme
CLF Mentoring Program
The purpose of the CLF Mentoring program is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between an experienced Christian lawyer and a newly-called Christian lawyer or between a Christian Lawyer and a Christian Law Student.
We only facilitate mentoring between CLF lawyer members and CLF law student members. If you are not a CLF member, please first consider joining CLF.
Mentoring is a practice commonly used throughout industry, particularly by companies that have proven most effective and aggressive in grooming leaders of the future. The CLF regards the next generation of Christian lawyers as a strategic group and considers it essential to reach out to new lawyers and law students now, so that the legal profession will include strong Christian voices and leaders of tomorrow.
Mentoring Testimonial At the end of my first year of law school, I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. From that point on, the notion of integrating my faith with the practice of law became nothing short of a quest. God, in His infinite grace and loving-kindness, brought people into my life to help me answer this question. The law school Christian fellowship group that I was part of had a very loose affiliation with CLF. But during my last two years of law school, a well-established lawyer from the Niagara Falls area (and I believe one of the early pillars of CLF) took time out of his busy schedule to share with me and to model Christ in his practice of law. Though we’ve lost touch, and I live half a country away from him, many of his inspired words of wisdom continue to bless me. Even now, I continue to praise God for the warm friendship and guidance of my first spiritual mentor in the practice of law. When I moved back to Winnipeg in 1992, God brought me in touch with another experienced lawyer (who was a long-time supporter/member of CLF). In an informal way, I consider our friendship to be a mentoring relationship – although we’ve never acknowledged it as such. God has given me great comfort and joy in knowing that I can share all of my personal and professional struggles, burdens and joys with this man. He helps me to answer that all-important question: What would Jesus do as a lawyer in these circumstances? Regardless of whether a younger lawyer is involved in a formal or informal mentoring relationship, it has been my experience that such a relationship is an incredible source of support and blessing for all involved. |
“Mentor”, in Greek mythology, was the name of the friend of Odysseus and tutor of his son, Telemachus. The term mentor today means “an experienced and trusted friend and adviser.” (Webster’s Dictionary. New York: 1988). Biblically, we think of the relationships between Jesus and Peter or Paul and Timothy. It is in these healthy relationships that mature Christians can pass on the wisdom of years. It would be arrogant for a young Christian to think he does not need a mentor, just as it would be for a mature Christian to think she knows everything. A mentoring relationship is not patriarchal. Among us there are no disciple-Masters, only master-Disciples. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Master and Teacher, and we are all His disciples. So the Christian mentoring relationship is one of mutual accountability, friendship, and interdependence. A mentoring relationship is also a relationship of learning. Let him or her who has walked the pilgrim path longer counsel others who are just starting out. Do not let the fear of inadequacy or the unknown hold you back. We need each other.
It is our conviction at CLF that disciples are made, not born. They need to be “trained in the way they should go”. Who needs this more than lawyers? The professional legal world is filled with temptation and pitfall. Those just starting out in law school are perhaps especially vulnerable. For this reason, the CLF mentoring program seeks to bring lawyers and students of different generations together into a healthy, Christian mentoring relationship. Whenever possible, CLF matches lawyers and students together of the same sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is mentoring just for students?
No, the CLF mentoring program is for all law students and lawyers. Naturally, newly called lawyers can benefit greatly from a relationship with a more mature lawyer. However, we encourage all CLF members to be involved in a mentoring relationship no matter how long you have been a Christian or how long you have been involved in the legal profession.
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What kind of commitment is involved in the mentoring program?
CLF suggests that mentoring partners attempt to meet in person at least twice a year (once per term) provided geographical distance does not present a hardship. They should also commit to one phone call a month, taking turns to be in touch with each other and to hold each other accountable for regular contact. However, this is only a guideline and each pair should work out their own agreement. Both persons should commit to pray for each other regularly.
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Is there a cost involved?
No, there is no financial commitment from anyone involved. Mentors may consider sponsoring their younger partner to attend a CLF conference, especially if that person is a law student. However, it needs to be clearly understood by both parties that no financial expectation is placed upon either member in the mentoring partnership.
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Is there an opportunity to review my mentoring relationship? What if we don't "connect" with each other?
The Executive Director, Ruth Ross, will be in touch with each person in the mentoring relationship once each year. This annual assessment of the relationship gives the opportunity for expressing positive outcomes as well as concerns, challenges, and intentions for the future.
5. Do I have to join CLF to participate in the mentoring program?
Yes, the CLF mentoring program is a service for CLF members. Please consider joining CLF if you are not already a member.
