Mentoring Program Connects Students with Lawyers

The Alumni Coaching program is now available to all incoming School of Law students, starting with this year's entering class.  "We believe that by offering our first-year students the opportunity to be paired with a mentor at the time they enter law school, we are equipping them with one of the most important tools they will ultimately need as lawyers-the ability to build effective networking relationships," says Mindy Baggish, director of Career Services.

In 2004, the offices of Career Services and Alumni Relations jointly developed the Alumni Coaching Program that originally focused on the needs of third-year students who were job seeking in a difficult economy.  The program paired third-year students with alumni volunteers who were legal professionals and could provide students with job search advice and support. The program proved to be a highly effective resource for job-seeking students while alumni enjoyed staying connected with UC Davis School of Law and interacting with students transitioning into legal practice.

The expanded coaching program is similar to mentor programs existing at many top-notch law schools throughout the nation. Participating mentors are available to discuss issues of current concern to the profession, career goals and job search strategies, types of legal practice, and quality of life issues in the practice of law. Mentors are also encouraged to invite their assigned students to attend a bar luncheon, seminar, or other law-related event.

Already this year, Alumni Relations and Career Services report that over 150 alumni signed up to serve as mentors, and a strong group of enthusiastic first-year students are eager to participate.  

Alumni Relations encourages alumni with questions about volunteering as an alumni mentor to contact them at [email protected].