Mitratech’s AdvanceLaw is excited to announce the fifth year of its Diversity Mentorship Program (DMP), a groundbreaking initiative committed to bolstering diversity and promoting professional development within the legal industry.
AdvanceLaw, the data-driven outside counsel marketplace, helps in-house counsel at more than 350 member companies identify star lawyers at innovative and solutions-focused firms. The DMP was inspired during a 2019 Summit where AdvanceLaw’s member general counsel and panel firm managing partners identified a shared goal to foster the success of diverse associates poised for partnership roles, and ultimately boost the number of diverse partners in the profession.
Now in its fifth year, the DMP offers rising-star law firm associates a year-long mentorship opportunity with senior in-house lawyers. Since the DMP’s inception, over 90 mentoring pairs have been established with great results: 44% of former mentees are now partners, and one former mentee is now a company’s general counsel. One former mentee, now a law firm partner, captured the DMP’s value:
“In addition to being personally rewarding, the relationship has been impactful on my professional development on several fronts–I consider my mentor a friend, resource, ally, and someone who is invested in seeing me succeed.”
AdvanceLaw has continued to grow its commitment to the DMP, resulting in record-breaking participation for 2024: nearly 50 in-house mentors will guide and support diverse associates at AdvanceLaw panel law firms.
The DMP has fostered career growth and ignited a powerful ripple effect. By pairing seasoned in-house leaders with top-performing diverse associates, AdvanceLaw’s DMP is creating a more inclusive and dynamic legal industry. In-house leaders have praised the program as “highly valuable,” noting intentions to continue their mentorships beyond the year-long commitment.