It is undeniable that the practice of law is a challenging profession. This is true particularly for women who, according to the ABA's most recent National Lawyer Population Survey, represent approximately 38% of lawyers in this country. A recent National Association for Law Placement (NALP) survey found that women represent approximately 25% of the partnership ranks in U.S. firms, while women of color represent just 3.79% of those partners.

One way to help navigate the challenges of the practice of law is through developing strong relationships with mentors. Indeed, for many, good mentors can make or break their experience as a lawyer. I have found this to be true for me, personally, as throughout the course of my career, the relationships I have formed with my mentors have been fundamental to my advancement in the profession. And, perhaps more importantly, these relationships have had a direct impact on my happiness and desire to continue to practice law. It is for that reason, that I have always made mentoring those more junior to me a priority. These relationships that I have formed, particularly those with younger female attorneys of color, have allowed me to share not only my own experiences, but also those gleaned from my relationships with my mentors.