April 2003

Lawyer Services

The Meaning of a Match: An Update on the WSBA's Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program

by Sam Elder (with Peter Roberts)

The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program facilitates the acquaintance of two members of the Washington State Bar Association. One member is more experienced, and the other is usually, but not exclusively, starting a career in law or making a shift in practice emphasis. After acquaintance, the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program supports communication between the two lawyers for up to one year under the auspices of the program. We call this period a "match," and the lawyers are "parties" to the match.

This relationship offers newer lawyers an opportunity to heighten the degree of civility, professionalism and competence with which they represent their clients by creating an avenue to learn from more experienced WSBA members. Specific activities of the lawyer-to-lawyer match will vary with the needs and interests of the lawyers participating in the program. After one year, both parties may decide to continue or discontinue contact. The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program is not a co-counsel arrangement for specific client matters.

"They Didn't Teach Me That in Law School!"

Harken back to your early years in practice. We are sure those words will echo in your ears. How do I handle an angry client? What is the best way to ask a question of the court clerk? How can I persuade my client to pay his bill? The answers to these questions lie in the "lawyering skills" that come with experience. Such skills, which are not written in a textbook, facilitate the success of a law practice. In law school students learn how to think like a lawyer. But "doing" the tasks required by the representation on behalf of a client requires practical skills that come through experience and emulation. We all may agree on the importance of bridging this gap, but how do we do it?

A hallmark of the legal profession is a lawyer's willingness to assist a colleague. Today's e-mail discussion groups are good examples. Many acts of assistance occur each day as part of a program, part of a friendship, or part of a collaboration on a matter. Enter the WSBA Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program. The program is a great way for experienced lawyers to pass on knowledge gained from practical experience, and for new lawyers to learn and develop connections within the legal community statewide. Local bar associations, which often have mentorship programs, are supported by WSBA's Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program.

Being a Mentor

I am a mentor in the program. Having practiced for more than six years provides a mix of experience and familiarity with issues facing newer admittees. The topics I have shared include balancing work and personal needs, long-range career goals, and professional fulfillment. A young or new lawyer wants to feel connected to the legal community by having a friendly contact and asking simple questions that may be embarrassing to ask a supervising attorney in his or her own firm.

The time commitment to the program involves making an initial contact with the newer lawyer, inquiring into particular areas where the relationship can be helpful, and following up periodically by telephone. Introducing the newer lawyer to colleagues or judges, inviting him to watch a court hearing or trial, attending a continuing legal education course, or meeting for periodic lunches is optional.

Newer lawyers may be concerned about taking the time of an experienced and busy lawyer. The mentor should make the initial contact and make the newer lawyer feel comfortable by initiating future contacts.

Being a New Admittee

I asked Jennifer Miller to comment on her experience: "Moving away from Oregon and up to Seattle after getting my joint degree was an exciting but scary time for me. I wanted to get involved in the legal community and experience Seattle living to its fullest. I was happy be paired with Don Logerwell as my mentor in the WSBA Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program. I found out that Don was the father of a classmate of mine at Willamette College of Law in Salem, Oregon. The world is smaller than we sometimes think!

"We both have very demanding schedules. I work in the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and Don does arbitrations and other dispute resolution. We make the time to catch up for lunch and try to get together once a month. We have the chance to discuss recent experiences in our areas of practice and what we've learned from them. We both recognize that every case a person deals with as a lawyer can provide a learning experience, as every case is unique and hence presents its own unique problems.

 "I was in a mentor program in law school and found that the things I learned from my three mentors (a judge, a defense attorney and a civil attorney) were very helpful. I was excited to note that the WSBA was starting a mentor program because I thought it might provide me the chance to learn and meet others in the legal field.

"It is a great experience. In Don Logerwell I found a mentor and a friend I can trust. I highly recommend the program and hope that others have as good of luck as I did in finding a match."

Some Frequently Asked Questions

How is a newer lawyer assigned?

The staff in the Law Office Management Assistance Program undertakes the matching process based on information previously provided by both parties. Each party has the opportunity to provide input to WSBA staff before completing the match. Members are matched by practice area and, if possible, locality, including out-of-state matches. Participation by lawyers practicing outside King and Pierce counties increases the likelihood of successful matches.

Who initiates the first contact?

The experienced lawyer typically initiates the first contact, usually by telephone. We suggest avoiding e-mail the first time contact is made.

What are some joint activities?

Consider touring the courthouse; sharing redacted pleading samples; or introducing the newer lawyer to members of the judiciary, court officials, staff and other lawyers. Consider offering the opportunity to observe you (if applicable) or other experienced lawyers in court; or offer to observe the newer lawyer in court. Consider attending CLE seminars and suitable law-related social events together. Use pre-scheduled telephone conversations as well.

How often do the parties meet?

That is up to the individuals. We suggest that you be available on a reasonably regular basis, since you will benefit all the more. 

Should I prepare anything before meeting?

Questions are the important thing. Think about the "how-to" aspects of practicing law and drafting documents, or dealing with certain client situations and ethical issues. The more you prepare in this fashion, the more productive the meetings will be. A cardinal rule is that no question is a silly question. Both parties are expected to bring up questions for mutual benefit.           

Is there a limit on the amount of time I can ask of the experienced lawyer?

It is expected that you will exercise discretion in both the amount of the experienced lawyer's time as well as how that time is used. We recommend that you discuss time limitations with the experienced lawyer during the early phase of your contacts. 

The Path Ahead

We have an unprecedented success on our hands! There are more than 60 lawyers waiting for a mentor. Because of the shortage of experienced lawyers participating in the program, we are experimenting with periodic meetings of experienced lawyers, and newer lawyers on the waiting list. The next meeting is at the WSBA office on April 28. We hope you will consider sharing your experience with a newer colleague. It is mutually rewarding and helps to "bridge the gap" from law school to practice in a very special way.

For more information on the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program or to reserve a space at the April 28 meeting, contact Peter Roberts at 206-727-8237 or peter@wsba.org; or Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914 or juliesa@wsba.org.

Sam Elder practices law with Gordon Edmunds Elder PLLC in Bellevue. He is chair of the Law Office Management Assistance Program Committee. 

Peter Roberts is practice management advisor with the Law Office Management Assistance Program and the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program.