Make a Difference, Be a Mentor
by Gus Chin
Recently, several relatively young lawyers expressed frustration with the profession and told me that they have been considering leaving the practice of law. Among the reasons given were burnout, the demands of the profession, non-enjoyment of their practice, the need for a change, and the need for something less stressful. Further discussion revealed that among other things they have unfulfilled expectations, lack balance between personal and professional commitments, and are burdened by stress due to such things as time constraints, caseload management, income deficiency, and multiple demands.
In analyzing their reasons, I wondered if their view of the profession would have been different if they had an opportunity to discuss their frustrations or concerns. Would they have a more positive view of their future as a lawyer had they had someone in whom they could confide as well as seek some guidance? I then concluded that in reality, given the nature of the practice of law, it is difficult for us as lawyers to properly address these issues and the challenges of the practice of law alone. We need a listening ear. We need someone to give wise counsel. In other words, we need mentors.
According to Greek mythology, Mentor was a senior friend of Odysseus who was placed in charge of Odysseus’s son Telemachus, when Odysseus left for the Trojan war. Modern usage of the word “mentor” refers to one usually more experienced who is a trusted friend, counselor, or teacher. I applaud our two law schools, the S.J. Quinney College of Law, and the J. Reuben Clark Law School and well as bar organizations such as the Utah Minority Bar Association, the Young Lawyers Division, and the Women Lawyers of Utah for actively promoting mentoring, especially for law students.
Given the dynamics of the profession, I believe that having a mentor can make a difference. I am also convinced that success, as well as long-term survival, as a lawyer cannot be achieved alone. The practice of law is a collaborative journey that requires more than just a casual exchange of opinions or ideas. The practice of law involves civil interaction between professionals who differ as to the application of the facts and the law. As experienced and inexperienced lawyers interact, they mentor each other and essentially advance the interest of justice.
While giving thought to my projected longevity as a lawyer, I looked at the Bar’s list of active and inactive emeritus attorneys. The emeritus members of the Bar consist of senior members of the Bar either 75 years of age or older, or who have been members of the Bar for 50 years or more. Reviewing the list, I am amazed by the number of emeritus lawyers who have weathered the challenges of the profession for almost, if not over, half a century. Upon examining the Bar’s list of emeritus attorneys, one would find that, in addition to their civility, they all exhibit respect for the rules of the practice of law, congeniality even with opposing counsel, use of diplomacy, personal and professional integrity, and a commitment to mentoring other lawyers and law students.
Among the Bar’s list of emeritus lawyers are many respected and trusted attorneys and judges such as Richard L. Bird, Sidney Baucom, Ray Christensen, Harold Christensen, Walter Ellett, James Faust, Floyd Gowans, J. Thomas Greene, Jr., Gordon Hall, Glenn Hanni, W. Eugene Hansen, Richard Howe, Dale Jeffs, Bruce S. Jenkins, James Lee, Oscar McConkie, Macoy McMurray, Maurice Richards, Herschel Saperstein, James Sawaya, Raymond Uno, Irene Warr, Homer Wilkinson, and Earl Wunderli, who have been role models and mentors for many. A more complete list of active emeritus attorneys will be published in a future edition of the Bar Journal.
Richard L. Bird, Jr., Utah’s most senior active lawyer, who has been an active member of the Bar since his admission in 1933, heads the class of emeritus lawyers. At last year’s Fall Forum, in conjunction with the Bar’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, Mr. Bird received a Distinguished Service Award. He has been repeatedly described as a good, honest, and fine lawyer. Over his seven decades of practice, Mr. Bird has tutored and counseled many lawyers.
Another attorney who has mentored other lawyers is Irene Warr, a private practitioner, who is Utah’s most senior active woman lawyer. Ms. Warr was admitted to the Bar in 1957 and is the 2007 recipient of the Utah State Bar’s Dorothy Merrill Brothers Award for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession. At last year’s Fall Forum convention, several women lawyers commented on her impact on their careers.
For minority attorneys and law students, retired District Court Judge Raymond Uno is considered to be the platinum standard. He is always willing to share his experiences and encourage and counsel others. His advocacy for the cause of the minority attorney in the State of Utah influenced the increase in the number of minority lawyers in Utah and led to the naming of an annual award in his honor, the Raymond S. Uno Award for the Advancement of Minorities in the Legal Profession.
I believe that in the process of mentoring other lawyers we are rewarded with career satisfaction and longevity. Ms. Warr, Mr. Bird, and Judge Raymond Uno are examples of the many lawyers who have influenced and continue to influence members of the Bar and the community.
Mentoring is even more important today because of the increasing challenges of the legal profession. Mentoring is a tool that will help ensure job satisfaction and advance the practice of law. The examples and advice from trusted experienced attorneys and judges can help law students and lawyers find balance, deal with stress, and enjoy a lifelong career as lawyers. I hope that we will take the time to mentor others and make a difference in the practice of law.