2021 CLA Mentoring Program

The CLA is now accepting mentors for the 2021 mentorship program.

The Program:

Period of May 1 to November 30, 2021, recent calls (new to 7 years) will be paired with seasoned CLA members (7+ years experience in criminal law). Mentors will be assigned or matched up by the mentoring committee. During the mentorship period, mentors and mentees will meet, at minimum, for two hours, twice per month. The new call is to bring a representative sample of their criminal law files. There will be random review as well as an opportunity for new call to ask what ever they wish. Mentees/mentors paired cannot be from the same firm/office.

The mentorship program may be eligible for CPD credits for both mentor and mentee - updates will follow.

Mentors:

It is recommended mentors of at least 7+ or more years experience. The mentor’s responsibilities consist of:

• Committing 5 – 10 hours per month
• Mentors will provide substantive mentoring on all aspects of a criminal law practice including but not limited to: ethics, client management, file management, disclosure review, tactics, pre-trial negotiations and preparation for motions, trials, preliminary inquiries and guilty pleas.
• Mentors will review fees and billing practices, including both private and Legal Aid files.
• Meet face to face, at minimum, for two hours, twice per month
• Report on progress after three months
• Participate in an exit interview at the conclusion of the program
• Sign a program agreement form.

To Apply:

The committee will endeavor to ensure balanced regional representation. Mentees/mentors paired cannot be from the same firm/office.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE BELOW.

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* 1. Please provide your first and last name

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* 2. Please provide the city/region you practice in

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* 3. At what email address would you like to be contacted?

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* 4. Year of Call:

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* 5. About your Practice:

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* 6. Percentage of practice currently devoted to criminal law:

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* 7. Percentage of Retainers on Legal Aid:

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* 8. List of Prior/Current Mentoring Experience:

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* 9. Please include any personal information you feel relevant to the selection process:

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* 10. What geographic region(s) would you prefer to mentee came from?

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* 12. By applying to the 2021 Mentorship Program I agree to be bound by the following Terms & Conditions:

1. The anticipated time commitment for the mentor/mentee relationship is a minimum of 5 to 10 hours per month for during the period (May 1 – November 30, 2021).

2. The mentor will provide substantive mentoring on all aspects of a criminal law practice including but not limited to: ethics, client management, file management, disclosure review, tactics, pre-trial negotiations and preparation for motions, trials, preliminary inquiries and guilty pleas.

3. Mentors will review fees and billing practices, including both private and Legal Aid files.

4. The mentor and mentee will provide an update on progress after 3 months and participate in exit interviews.

5. In consultation with the Mentee:

a. Determine the Mentee’s Goals – opportunity to tailor mentoring relationship to specific identified needs
b. Establish Terms of Consultation (frequency minimum 2 hours twice/month)
c. Clarify the Mentees Roles and Responsibilities – the mentee is expected to:
i. Prepare appropriately for mentoring meetings and follow-up
ii. Be receptive to constructive feedback and advice
iii. Be respectful of Mentor’s time commitments
iv. Guard confidentiality of relationship
d. Clarify the Mentor’s Roles and Responsibilities – the mentor is expected to:
i. Clearly identify the nature, scope and parameters of relationship
ii. Provide open, honest and constructive feedback and guidance
iii. Respect mentee’s client/solicitor relationships and guard confidentiality appropriately
e. Any other issues that the mentor/mentee decide should be included in the mentoring plan

6. The Criminal Lawyers’ Association and the mentor shall have no liability, however arising, from any advice or assistance offered to the mentee.

7. Either party may choose to conclude the relationship on a no fault basis prior to the full term of the mentorship.

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