Mentors are important sources of support and guidance, particularly for first generation students, students of color, and other students who have been historically underrepresented in the legal field. Developed in partnership with the Pierce County Minority Bar Association and The Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court, the Legal Pathways Mentor program seeks to provide appropriate and relevant mentors for UW Tacoma students interested in pursuing a law-related career.
Participants in the Legal Pathways Mentor Program are provided with either an attorney or legal professional mentor, depending on the interests and goals of the students. Legal Pathways coordinates the mentor program, working with the Pierce County Minority Bar Association and The Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court to recruit mentors. Through the program, students are linked with local attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals who can offer advice, encouragement, experience, and an introduction into the South Sound legal community.
Student's Voice
Andre Jimenez
"As a student from an under-represented community in the legal field, having a mentor that looks like me, and can relate to my unique experience as a student has been transformational. My mentor has been a constant source of encouragement. When I meet with my mentor I know that I am going to talk with someone who cares about me, my family and the tough decisions we as students have to face in higher education."
For Mentors:
Mentors are asked to commit to:
- Attend a virtual or in-person meet-and-greet to meet your mentee;
- Connect with your mentee (by phone or email) once a month during the school year;
- Meet with your mentee (virtually or in person) once a quarter;
- Provide opportunities for your mentee to participate in events, attend functions, engage with your organization to the extent you are able; and
- Celebrate with your mentee at our year-end Legal Pathways Professional Partnerships Program celebration.
Volunteering as a mentor is a rewarding experience and an important way to help widen the pathway to law school and legal careers for UW Tacoma students. If you are interested in volunteering, please tell us a little bit about yourself and someone will be in touch soon!
BE A MENTOR
For Students Mentees:
Mentorship can be an important part of the process of deciding whether a law school or a law-related career is right for you. Mentors with the Legal Pathways Mentorship program are active members of the South Sound legal community and we encourage students to take advantage of the opportunity to connect with them!
Student-Mentees are asked to commit to:
- Attend a virtual or in-person meet-and-greet to meet your mentor;
- Connect with your mentor (by phone or email) once a month during the school year;
- Meet with your mentor (virtually or in person) once a quarter;
- Follow through on your mentorship commitment by responding to emails/phone calls, initiating contact when applicable, and communicating about any necessary changes in schedule with your mentor; and
- Celebrate with your mentor at our year-end Legal Pathways Professional Partnerships Program celebration.
