Mentor Program

Become the lawyer you want to be

The Alberta Branch Mentor Program pairs law students from UAlberta and UCalgary, and internationally trained lawyers completing the NCA process with practicing lawyers for guidance and practical advice to enhance the law school experience. The mentor/mentee relationship also sets students on a path for successful integration into the legal profession and community. But the benefits aren’t just for students! Mentors gain leadership and interpersonal skills while giving back to the practice of law.

We consider our program a success when participants develop meaningful relationships and engage in candid conversation about life and law. We respecfully ask that you only register for this program if you are committed to following through with your match. 

Applications for the 2023-24 Mentor Program are now closed.


Questions?

Questions or issues with the MentorCity platform? Contact us at members@cba-alberta.org or 780-756-4151.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I know if I qualify for the program?

Mentors do not have to be active CBA members to volunteer for the program. Mentors can volunteer for the program for as many years as they wish.

Mentees must be active CBA members in the law student category. Criteria for CBA law student membership:

A person enrolled in undergraduate studies in law at a recognized Canadian law school, or a Canadian citizen studying at a recognized foreign law faculty or has been accepted at the NCA to pursue NCA accreditation or is enrolled in full-time studies required by a law society, in order to be called to the bar in Canada.

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Why can’t we just have a list of mentors to choose from?

There are over 150 students who participate each year, many with similar or overlapping requests. Mentors are volunteers and not recruited to meet specific matching criteria. Due to the volume of matches made, it is a balanced process of the mentee requests versus mentor availability.

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How does this program benefit mentees?

The program connects mentees with someone they can approach for education and career advice and expands their professional networks. The program can provide experiences that offer better insight into the legal profession, while strengthening goal setting and leadership skills.

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Will my mentor help me find an articling position?

No. The purpose of the mentor program is not about employment, and while mentors may provide guidance on applying and interviewing for summer or articling positions, we have had mentors express that requests for employment assistance make them uncomfortable.

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How does the mentor/mentee relationship work?

The onus is on mentees to initiate contact, take the lead, ask questions and plan for the meetings; mentors are there to provide guidance and advice. Since the program is self-guided, it is up to the matches to determine when and how frequently they connect.

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What if I have not heard from my mentor or mentee?

If your mentee has not made contact within a week of matching or if you are having trouble communicating with your mentor or mentee, please contact your CBA Alberta Mentor Program Coordinator at: members@cba-alberta.org

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How long is the program?

Once matches are confirmed, the program runs until the end of June of the following year. However, many mentees and mentors stay in touch for many years after the formal mentor relationship has ended.

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Can I be a mentee/mentor next year as well?

Mentors can volunteer for the program as often as they wish.

Mentees are eligible for the Mentor Program so long as they are law student members of the CBA.

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How much time does the program take?

The program should not take more than a few hours per month of anyone’s time. You will get out of the program what you put into it!