Alder adds, ''If you're a young, solo practitioner just out of law school and you have an office in South Jordan, or you work out of home or Starbucks, you really need to find a relationship with someone who can work with you through that early developmental experience.''
The program was brainstormed in part by the findings of a study conducted by the American Bar Association that revealed that a substantial number of attorneys were leaving the profession after a few years. The program was further developed when leaders of the Salt Lake legal community read a paper co-authored by Salt Lake City attorney Alan Sullivan , U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and former 10th Circuit Court chief judge, Deanell Tacha. The paper suggested that new lawyers straight out of school require further guidance and are not prepared to work independently.
The Utah State Bar Commission was asked to examine the mentoring program by The Utah Supreme Court. The concept was studied in-depth by the newly formed New Lawyer Training Committee directed by lawyers Rodney Snow and Margaret Plane. According to John Baldwin, Utah State Bar executive director, ''there are many fine voluntary mentoring efforts, both formal and informal, but a volunteer program can have hit-or-miss results and no accountability.''
The primary goals of the new program include an emphasis on a high level of professional civility, and the 'value of pro bono for disadvantaged people. The program will also focus on 'offering first rate client service and helping the community.'' New lawyers will benefit from the advice and practical tips offered by their mentors and will acquire the necessary information that will aid them in setting up an office, and hiring employees. In some incidences, the mentor may accompany the new lawyer to disposition and court hearings.
Experienced lawyers who are interested in participating in the mentoring program must apply. Once their application is reviewed, the Utah Supreme Court will appoint the applicant to join the mentoring pool. The state bar can match up mentors and new attorneys, or the new attorney can select a mentor of their choice. The program requires that the mentor and new attorney work together for one year and at least a minimum of two hours monthly, although it is predicted that the mentorship will involve more time than the outlined requirements. In addition to helping new attorneys, the mentor can earn 12 hours of continuing education credits - a requirement to retain a law license.
The program is designed and intended to allow some flexibility, however, there is a mentoring manual available from the bar that can assist both parties in ensuring the needs of the new attorney are being met.
