By joining the CBA Alberta mentorship program, you’ll connect with our active and inclusive community of lawyers, gain knowledge and share expertise. Our mentors and mentees represent a range of career stages, lived experiences, and areas of interest, practice and expertise.
Law Student Mentor Program
The CBA Alberta Law Student Mentor Program pairs students with practicing lawyers for guidance and practical advice. The mentor/mentee relationship also sets students on a path for successful integration into the legal profession and community.
We’re here to help you find the right match.
Applications for the 2025-26 Law Student Mentor Program will open in August.
Questions?
Contact us to learn more about getting a mentor or becoming one. Email us at members@cba-alberta.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is eligible to participate in 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;
- A Canadian citizen studying at a recognized foreign law faculty;
- A person who has been accepted to pursue NCA accreditation; or
- A person who 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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Can I pick my mentor/mentee?
Due to the volume of matches made, and in order to balance the needs of the law students and volunteer mentors our program is not "self-serve", and participants do not select their mentor/mentee. We encourage all participants to provide as much detail in their intake forms as possible, which allows the CBA Alberta team to make meaningful matches that will bring the most value to each match.
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What are the benefits of participating in the mentor program?
Participation in mentor programs benefits both the mentees and volunteer mentors.
Mentees are able to connect with and receive valuable advice from seasoned lawyers, who can provide insight and ideas to help develop a career path, while building confidence. Mentees will have the opportunity to make connections in the legal community, and develop skills such as interviewing and navigating the legal workplace.
Volunteering as a Mentor provides an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the life of a law student, while developing leadership, coaching and communications skills, growing professionally, and learning from mentees by hearing their perspective and insights.
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Can my mentor help me find an articling position?
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, the role of the mentor is not to help the mentee secure articles.
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How does the mentor/mentee relationship work?
The onus is on mentees to initiate contact, take the lead, schedule meetings, and set goals and desired outcomes for the mentor relationship. Mentors are there to provide guidance and advice. The program is largely self-guided so it is up to the matches to determine when and how frequently they connect.
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What if I am unable to get in touch with 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 the mentor program coordinator at members@cba-alberta.org
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How long is the program?
Applications for the Law Student Mentor Program are accepted each year in the fall. 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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How often can I participate in the mentor program?
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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What is the time commitment required to participate in the program?
As the program is largely self-guided, participants are welcome to meet as frequently as they wish. Feedback from participates indicates that the majority of the matches meet every 4 - 8 weeks throughout the duration of the program.
