Mentoring Across Differences: A Guide to Cross-Gender and Cross-Race Mentoring

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A. Study Questions
B. Key Findings

INTRODUCTION

A. The Nature of Mentoring in the Legal Workplace
B. Mentoring and Diversity in Law Firms and Corporations

STUDY OVERVIEW

A. Methodology
B. Study Group
C. Research Team

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FINDINGS?

A. Starting and Building Mentoring Relationships
B. Creating Reasonable Expectations for Mentoring
C. Building Trust
D. Communicating About Diversity Issues
E. Motivating Factors in Establishing Successful Cross-Gender and Cross-Race Mentoring Relationships
F. Characteristics of Successful Cross-Gender and Cross-Race Mentoring Relationships
G. Barriers to Successful Cross-Gender and Cross-Race Mentoring Relationships

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MENTEES AND MENTORS IN DIVERSE MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS

A. Recommendations for the Mentoring Pair
B. Recommendations for Mentees
C. Recommendations for Mentors

RECOMMENDATIONS TO EMPLOYERS FOR SUPPORTING MENTORING ACROSS DIFFERENCES

A. Create an Environment Conducive to Cross-Gender and Cross-Race Mentoring
B. Ensure Good Work Experiences
C. Make Good Supervision a Management Imperative
D. Make Performance Expectations Clear and Evaluations Fair
E. Educate all Lawyers about Diversity and Mentoring
F. Provide Mentoring Opportunities
G. Support Networking Opportunities
H. Accommodate Work/Life Needs
I. Conduct Confidential Exit Interviews 

PROGRAM MODELS

A. Establishing a Mentoring Program in Law Firms: Checklist
B. Mentoring Program Design for Corporations and Law Departments
C. Core Training Curriculum for a Mentoring Program

APPENDIX

A. Authors’ Biographies
B. Additional Resources

IN APPRECIATION... MCCA extends its appreciation to the following law firms for their financial contributions in support of the production of this research report. Their support has been critical to MCCA's ability to produce and distribute this valuable resource. It is our hope that this information will empower the many in-house counsel who receive it to better manage their careers and achieve their professional objectives.

Eversheds LLP
Foley & Lardner