UBC Mentorship Reception

by Jennifer Poirier, UBC Student Representative

On the evening of October 27, 2008, the UBC Canadian Bar Association Mentorship Reception was held at the Vancouver Law Courts Inn. More than 140 people attended this popular event, which is hosted by the CBABC and the UBC Faculty of Law Career Services Office.

Claire Young of the UBC Faculty of Law (Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs) spoke briefly of the program’s benefits to students and thanked the CBA, Career Services and the Mentors for their contribution to the Mentorship Program. Also in attendance from the UBC Faculty of Law were Kerry Parker Smith (Director of Career Services) and Pamela Cyr (Associate Director of Career Services).

Miriam Maisonville, CBABC President, presented the prestigious CBABC Law Student Award to Peggy Lee in recognition of her academic achievements and contributions to the law school and her community. Also in attendance from the CBABC was Joanne Silver, Director of Stakeholder Relations.

The Mentorship Program provides an excellent opportunity for students to obtain exposure to the practice of law and to obtain guidance from experienced lawyers.

This year 110 students were matched with local lawyers practising in diverse areas. All students interested in participating were successfully matched with a mentor. Approximately three quarters of the students matched were in their first year of studies, however, a number of second and third year students are participating in the program. Jennifer Duncan (former First Nations Legal Studies Advisor) selected mentors for seven First Nations students.

It was a pleasure to co-ordinate the Mentorship Program and the reception.

UVic Mentorship Reception

by Harpreet Nahal, UVic Student Representative

The University of Victoria’s Law Careers Office and the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch, held their 2008 mentorship reception on October 29th at the Union Club of Victoria.

The reception was attended by a high percentage of the mentees and mentors involved in the program. UVic Dean of Law, Donna Greschner, spoke briefly about the benefit of quality guidance through mentorship for students during their studies as well as throughout their careers.

Miriam Maisonville, CBABC President, presented the CBABC Law Student Award of $4000 to Karen Tse for her achievements. Michelle Chan was the second award winner of the night and received the CBA Financial Services Corporation Law School Achievement Award, which was presented by John Waddell, QC.

The mentorship reception provides a social setting in which mentors and mentees are able to break the ice and begin their relationships. The reception also provides an important opportunity for participants to see the strength of the program as a collective group which may be difficult otherwise considering the private nature of mentorship.

The majority of students participating in the program are first years although many upper year students keep in touch with their mentors from prior years. This year the 70 UVic students participating in the program were matched with mentors practising in a wide array of practice areas based on each student’s area of interest. Mentors participating in the program include lawyers from small firms, large firms, non-practicing careers, government and the judiciary.

Organizing the program has been a rewarding experience. Good luck to all the matches.

This article was published in the December 2008 issue of BarTalk. © 2008 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.