One of my instructors in law school once said “you are going to learn habits, it is simply a matter of which habits you learn.” All of us hopefully can look to one or more persons in our lives – a parent, friend, teacher, coach, employer – who served as a role model, mentor and guide along our life’s path. I have been fortunate to have several: one of my high school teachers combined humor with faith as he taught; a former employer displayed grace and a steady hand under pressure; a former law instructor who became my law partner had a remarkable and infectious enthusiasm for the practice of law. All of these people have helped guide and encourage me and many others to progress personally and professionally. Each one of us, in turn, can and should remember that we too can serve as guides for those who come after us. For the past 17 years I have had the opportunity and honor to teach a course in Trial Advocacy at the University of Connecticut School of Law. My partner James Harrington has been a regular guest participant in the class. This past year our associate James Harrington also assisted law students in a Pretrial exercise with a Superior Court judge presiding. Many young lawyers today graduate into solo practice and lack the good counsel and guidance afforded to many of us who are now farther along in our careers. Now is our time to give back like the many good people from whom we learned. A telephone call, a chance meeting or a lunch as well as teaching a course or seminar all can serve as valuable opportunities to be a mentor. Mentoring programs such as the one sponsored by the Connecticut Trial Lawyers also are a great opportunity to reach out to younger or less experienced attorneys. In the end both the mentor and the student will no doubt benefit and be better lawyers as a result. Bert Polito, Esq.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORS AND GIVING BACK – New London Personal Injury Lawyer