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Bar News - November 21, 2003 Don't Go It Alone... Sign Up for the Mentor Program By: Jason Craven WHETHER YOU ARE a sole practitioner or an associate in a large law firm, the New Lawyers Committee's Mentor Program is a valuable resource for new attorneys trying to navigate their first years practicing law in New Hampshire. All too often new lawyers find themselves in difficult situations with clients, other lawyers or even judges - situations that can often be resolved simply by bouncing an idea off a senior member of the Bar, or getting some guidance on how to deal with a problem client or difficult legal issue. It's not always easy for a new lawyer to approach a partner in his or her firm with a question that perhaps the partner would think the young attorney should already know the answer to, and the Mentor Program provides an alternative. The Mentor Program is available to all attorneys who have been members of the Bar in New Hampshire for three years or less. A new lawyer is paired with a senior member of the Bar based on location, practice area and any other special preferences requested by the new lawyer. The Bar's New Lawyers Committee, which sponsors the Mentor Program, tries very hard to make matches that are likely to succeed. The more information provided by the new lawyer, the better the committee is able to find a good match. The New Lawyers Committee is currently developing a computerized system for matching new lawyers with mentors. This system will provide for quicker matches, and as such, better access for new lawyers. Having practiced in medium-sized firms, small firms, as a sole practitioner and now in a two-member firm, I know the value of being able to pick up the telephone and call someone who can either calm my fears or confirm my position. The Mentor Program offers this opportunity, as well as the chance to develop a lasting relationship with a colleague. For more information about the Mentor Program or the New Lawyers Committee, please contact Denice DeStefano at the NH Bar at (603) 224-6942 or ddstefano@nhbar.org, or get in touch with me at (603) 296-0800 or jmcraven@cravenward.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Jason M. Craven is a partner in the law firm of Craven & Ward, PLLC, and is the chair of the New Lawyers Committee.
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