I write this from the perspective of a co-founder of a business—Legal Innovators—that has made mentorship and sponsorship a cornerstone of its mission.  Indeed, my business partnership with Legal Innovators co-founder Bryan Parker sprung from a mentorship relationship formed 25 years ago when I was his partner advisor at Shearman & Sterling.  Our relationship has flourished from there to the point where we mentor each other.  I have had the privilege of mentoring many lawyers and other young people throughout my career, including many persons of different backgrounds from mine.

Why is mentoring so critical, and why is it so worthwhile to the mentor?