Closing statements: Who is your professional mentor?

Hon. Ron Carrier, 31st Judicial Circuit, Associate Division 26 Greene County Judicial Courts Facility, Springfield

“I first had an interest in becoming an attorney when I was a freshman in high school. That year a new attorney, Jane Baxter Jones, opened her office in my hometown of Mt. Vernon. I stopped by one day and asked whether she might need some office help. She said, ‘Tell you what. This summer, I’ll pay you a dollar an hour to answer the phone and greet people when they come in the office. In exchange, I’ll teach you how to type and take you around with me so you can see what ‘being a lawyer’ is all about.’ Thus began a mentorship and friendship that continues 45 years later. I’ve never made a significant career decision without seeking her guidance. ”

Mark Blanton, Blanton, Nickell, Collins, Douglas & Hanschen, Sikeston

“Three of my main mentors in the legal business have been Mary Reitz, Paul Brown, and Marcy Graham. Mary was my first supervisor when I started my career at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Mary taught me a lot about litigation skills, building relationships with the staff and other lawyers at my office, and other skills that I have used in my practice to this day. Paul was my section chief for about a year or so while I was at the AG’s office. Paul always made time to talk with line attorneys like me when we had questions or concerns about something, and I learned a lot about how to be a resource for others in a firm or other law office from him. Marcy needs no introduction. I primarily interacted with Marcy in the legal field when I was a summer associate at Gray, Ritter & Graham between my second and third year of law school. He has advised me about many things in the practice of law and taught me a lot about how to carry myself as a lawyer.”

Carleigh Cavender, Stinson, St. Louis

“I have had the good fortune and privilege of being guided by several wonderful personal and professional mentors over the years. All have a few things in common. Most importantly, they have all been kind, considerate, thoughtful people who have made time for me and given me support when I’ve asked for it. They have all been good listeners and/or good observers (it’s hard to get good guidance from someone who does not know, see, or hear what you are going through). They have all been reasonable and wise. They have all been able to be honest with me and hold me accountable when I needed that, without being harsh or cruel. And, probably just as important, they have all given me the space to make mistakes and struggle (for which I am extremely grateful). S/O to a few in the practice of law: Prof. Christina Wells; Prof. Erika Lietzan; Julia Rives; the Hon. J. Karen King Mitchell; the Hon. J. W. Brent Powell; the Hon. J. Theresa Lazar Springmann; Alixandra Cossette; Nicci Warr; Mary Grace Monaco Warren; and Emily Holtzman.”

We were wondering… How do you maintain a well-balanced life? Share your answer by writing to nhillen@mobar.org or filling out a form at mobar.wufoo.com/forms/closing-statements.