“I like knowing that someone can turn to me for help or guidance on an issue. I also like the learning aspect it has for me to see a situation through someone else’s eyes.”
Shelley Moore has been involved in mentorship for many years and has been a mentor with the Law Society’s Mentor Connect program since 2015.
Why she became involved with Mentor Connect:
“I wanted to give back. Many mentors have helped me along the way to help get me to where I am. Sometimes I found it hard to approach someone for help, so making myself available was a simple solution.”
A bit about her current mentoring relationship:
“I have a great mentee whom I communicate with on a regular basis. I enjoy the fact that we can speak so openly as well as discuss a variety of topics. I truly enjoy the ease of the conversations and the belief (at least on my end) that they can call/text at any time and I will respond immediately or as soon as I possibly can.”
What she enjoys the most about being a mentor with the Mentor Connect program:
“I really enjoy the special bond that has formed with my mentees. I think there is something sacred about growing and learning together in this unique type of environment. I like knowing that someone can turn to me for help or guidance on an issue. I also like the learning aspect it has for me to see a situation through someone else’s eyes.”
What she hopes her mentee learns from working with her:
“I hope they take away that there is a safe place to ask questions and trust someone. What may seem basic to one person can be rather daunting to another. It truly is the cliché that there is never a dumb question. Lawyers are often trying to fit this big ego and we need to acknowledge the fact that we don’t know everything – we don’t even know half of everything. So talk and share and brainstorm when you have that opportunity.”
What she has learned from working with her mentee:
“I have learned that I need to follow some of my own advice. I don’t take time to disconnect from my practice as often as I preach that we should. The balance between work and personal life is so crucial in this industry and it is something that I still struggle with myself.”
If a lawyer is thinking about becoming a mentor, they should know…
“That not all matches are going to work. When you are with one that does work, it is the most rewarding feeling. We have all been in their shoes at one point or another in our career and need to remind ourselves of that from time to time. I think that becoming a mentor is a great reminder of where we were and just how far we have come…….with the support of others along the way!”
The Law Society of Alberta offers Mentor Moments to acknowledge the contributions made by volunteer lawyers in their mentorship programs and to encourage other Alberta lawyers to consider participating.
We do not attempt to verify mentors’ statements in their Mentor Moment profiles and the opinions expressed are solely their own. The Law Society of Alberta does not endorse any individual profiled or contents provided.