Nebraska Law Mentor Program - Mentor Application

Purpose

Create supportive student/attorney relationships, focused on maximizing the Nebraska Law experience with an emphasis on professional and career goal-setting, while developing a professional network for the student.

Program Highlights

  • Linking relationships between two professionals who share a tie to Nebraska Law with learning and professional development as the purpose;
  • Program is for the nine month duration of the academic year;
  • Mentoring relationships will be fostered by the two individuals but programming support will be provided by the College of Law;
  • Mentors do not have to be local or even alumni. We welcome mentors from across the state and the country. 

Expectations

Communicate once monthly during the nine month period of the program at mutually agreed upon times and in a manner that works for both mentor and mentee. These communications can take place in person, via phone, or via email. It would be ideal for mentor and mentee to meet in person at least once, but that is not a strict requirement of the program. 

“The [Alumni/Student Mentoring Program] was a fun program that helped me stay connected to the law school, introduced me to a wonderful new attorney, and I felt like I was doing some good and helping the College of Law. It was a minimal time commitment and you can really tailor the program to your style and to fit you and your student."

Laura Gonnerman

CLASS OF 2012

“[M]entoring first year law students is a service to our profession worthy of [your] time and effort, and is something that will benefit both the mentor and the student for years to come.”

 

Hon. Michael Pirtle

CLASS OF 1978

Part of our greatest attribute as practicing attorneys is to foster the next generation of lawyers. Being able to communicate with my mentee in a relaxed environment will hopefully help him as he transitions to an attorney. Students need someone to be able to talk to outside the school personnel and this is a great connection for them and for attorneys to stay involved in both the College of Law and the profession.”

Jon Braaten

CLASS OF 2001

“This is a great way to 'pay forward' all of the advantages and support we have been privileged enough to receive during our legal careers. Even if you did not have a mentor in your first few years, you can use this as an opportunity to build more a more positive example of how the legal community should be supporting its members.”

Ann Diers

CLASS OF 1986

“This is a service I could have really used as a student. It was nice to discuss everything from little questions to big picture concerns.”

Josh Schauer

CLASS OF 2002

“I wish the school would have had this when we were in school. In a lot of ways, we were working without a net. Having survived, we have a lot to offer the generations following.”

Bill Ojile

CLASS OF 1985

Mentor status:
Race
Other Characteristics
Were you married while attending law school?
Did you have children while in law school?
Level of Professional Work Experience
Current Area(s) of Practice
In which of the following settings have you worked?
Are you a member in good standing with your state bar association?
Are you willing to mentor more than one student?