Dorothy C. Wolbert Burns White Wolbert works hard to ensure that everyone on the team plays an important role, regardless of his or her level of experience. Everyone knows all the details of every case, and could step in should a conflict or issue arise for the lead attorney. This total transparency and trust helps to create buy-in, and shows a level of confidence in each attorney's skill set. To be a successful mentor, one must be confident in her abilities, giving of her time, and passionate about supporting the goals of others. In her short time at Burns White, Wolbert has found a creative way to apply the professional skills she has refined to elevate the women with whom she works.

Why is mentorship important in the legal profession?

“Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.”—Will Rogers

This quote, which happens to be a favorite, epitomizes why mentorship is essential for attorneys—the learning doesn't stop after law school. If anything, it becomes more important since new attorneys need to learn what often isn't taught (or can't be taught) in school. When I started in the workforce, I had no idea how to be an empathetic lawyer, how to communicate effectively with verbal and nonverbal language, how to network/build a community of support (and why this is so important), or how to give back to my community. Mentorship is a way for experienced lawyers to teach those new to the legal profession how to become, not only a well-rounded attorney, but a well-rounded person.

Who mentored you as you built your career?

An important and inspirational mentor to me has been Judge Carol Hanna, for whom I clerked fresh out of law school. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in family law, and she was a family law judge. We clicked immediately at my interview, realizing that we both have an affinity for deep organizational skills (we loved organized binders!). She taught me to be patient, genuine and open-minded, to live with passion and act with grit. I will never forget her soft touch when speaking with children in tough situations—this quality is now ingrained in me. Her values are values that I am still tirelessly attempting to perfect. Who she is as a woman, and her success in her career, has deeply influenced me to take the time with younger attorneys, particularly women.

What's one piece advice you would give to a young lawyer in today's rapidly changing profession?

Since lawyers can't just follow directions and give one piece of advice, here is my very abridged version: Don't get caught in the monotony of just surviving each day. Rather, self-reflect and create professional, personal and community-based goals on an annual basis. Check in with yourself quarterly. Seek help from your mentor and your community of support to achieve your goals. Finally, have those fierce conversations, the tough conversations that aren't easy. Ask for specific feedback, ask for introductions, ask for the experience and most importantly, follow up! Opportunities won't just be handed to you, so raise your hand for the opportunities.