Patrice A. Toland Post & Schell Toland has provided valuable insight to countless attorneys throughout her tenure at Post & Schell, helping to mentor associates across the firm's practice areas. This includes providing them the benefit of her legal experience, advising on interactions with the Pennsylvania judiciary, and how to handle themselves professionally and ethically with their colleagues, the claimant's bar, and clients. Her professional yet friendly approach appeals to attorneys at all stages of their careers, and she has been influential in helping young attorneys ascend to higher positions in and outside of Post & Schell.

Why is mentorship important in the legal profession?

Investing in our young lawyers is essential to the future of our profession, particularly in this time change and uncertainty. Everyone benefits from having a mentor in her or his career, but it's especially true for lawyers who balance the significant demands of carving out a rewarding legal career with their family and personal lives. Not only is professional guidance important for young lawyers, but they sometimes also need a cheerleader and a figurative and literal shoulder to cry on.

Who mentored you as you built your career?

I've been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my legal career, and I have learned from both attorneys senior to me, and younger attorneys who have brought new perspectives to our profession.

Early on, I had the honor of working with and learning from Ken DeMarco, who established the workers' compensation department at Post & Schell. His influence is still felt throughout our department and firm.

As our firm celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, I've also reflected on how influential the founders of Post & Schell, Bart Post and Al Schell, were in helping me navigate the profession and learn how to help the next generation of attorneys.

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

As much as possible, shut out the negative in our industry and focus on the positives and our true mission—to help others by advocating for and defending them in the legal justice system. Being a lawyer is a noble profession that has women and men of deep integrity and commitment. When young lawyers shut out the noise and focus on that truth, they will find their most rewarding career path.