Closing statements: What ways have you found to mentor other lawyers, and why is it important to do so?

“Mentoring attorneys is one of the most rewarding, and often underrated, parts of this profession. It’s not just about sharing legal knowledge — it’s about building confidence, sharpening judgment, and encouraging resilience. Some of the most impactful mentoring happens through honest conversations, sharing real experiences (including the mistakes), and trusting individuals with meaningful responsibility. It’s about being present, recognizing growth, and creating space for questions and learning. 

"Mentoring attorneys is essential because it shapes not only their professional growth but also the future of our legal community. Guidance from experienced practitioners accelerates skill development, builds confidence, and instills the highest ethical standards. It also fosters a culture of collaboration, where knowledge is shared, questions are welcomed, and challenges become opportunities for growth. 

“By investing in mentorship, we’re not just training better attorneys, we’re cultivating leaders who will serve clients, victims, the courts, and the broader community with integrity for years to come.” 
– Jacqueline Ledezma-Ruelas, senior assistant prosecuting attorney at the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office in Springfield

“I’m in a unique position in my career where I’m both a mentor to law students/new attorneys as well as a mentee seeking guidance from my partners/more senior attorneys. I’m assigned a mentor at work, but I’ve developed mentor/mentee relationships from being involved in the legal community through local and statewide bar service, plus law school connections. I’ve found that having transparent conversations about the difficulties of practice, as well as being a resource, has been the way I mentor and receive mentorship. As a self-governing profession, it’s crucial that we reach back to guide others in achieving success for themselves and their clients.” 
– Lauren E. Smith, associate at MG+M The Law Firm in St. Louis

“For much of my career, I have been an in-house attorney in organizations where I am either the only attorney or one of only a few internal attorneys. As a result, I have usually found opportunities to mentor other attorneys through Missouri Bar activities such as Leadership Academy and Young Lawyers’ Section or programs and functions of local or practice-area specific bar organizations. I have always believed that relationship building, whether as a mentor or mentee, is crucial in the practice of law, and it has absolutely resulted in career opportunities for me, but also provided me with contacts to reach out to when I, as in-house counsel, am looking to hire outside counsel in a particular geographic region or practice area.” 
– Jason Paulsmeyer, claims litigation counsel at the Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance in Jefferson City

“I mentor future lawyers by coaching a high school mock trial team. Helping young folks understand the structure of a trial and basic rules of evidence helps me hone my own skills in a low-stress environment and helps me see things from different perspectives. Providing mentorship helps build and maintain collegiality, which is critical in our profession.” 
– Laura E., associate attorney in St. Louis

We were wondering … What does the Rule of Law mean to you? Share your answer by writing to gtlustos@mobar.org or visiting MoBar.Wufoo.com/forms/closing-statements.

Answers have been edited for length, clarity, and style.