A Mentor Moment with Jenny McMordie
“I hope that each mentee knows that I care about them and their journey in our profession.”
Jenny McMordie has been involved in mentorship for many years and has been a mentor with the Law Society’s Mentor Connect and Mentor Express Programs.
Q: Why did you get involved with Mentor Connect?
A: “I have enjoyed mentoring in a context where the mentee and I may have a longer discussion, evolving over several months. Mentor Connect lends itself very well to individual mentees who are exploring a longer-term approach to a challenge which requires some deeper thought before decision-making or implementation of new ideas. The follow-up meetings allow me to know whether the mentee is getting the resources and support they are seeking, and also allows both of us to celebrate the progress or small wins that may be accomplished during the mentoring period. I also always enjoy getting to know members of our profession, and every mentee is a colleague that I am glad to meet!“
Q: Why did you get involved with Mentor Express?
A: “Many mentees are looking for an opportunity to build their network of mentors and colleagues, and I have been happy to participate in the Mentor Express program to support them in this goal. This program also allows mentees a rich opportunity to receive multiple views on the issues or goals that they present, which helps mentees to know that there may be multiple right answers or paths to their goals. I am really pleased to offer my views on just one of those paths, and am also enriched for the discussion. I find that the Mentor Express mentees are not typically presenting long term goals for discussion so much as smaller issues or shorter-term ideas given that these are one-off meetings.“
Q: Tell us a bit about your current mentoring relationship:
A: “I am currently enjoying mentoring one young lawyer through Mentor Connect who is exploring possible firm structures as well as the balancing of firm and family goals. I am also meeting regularly with Mentor Express mentees who range from new lawyers (or new-to-Alberta lawyers) seeking guidance on networking, to lawyers with specific issues at their firm.”
Q: How long have you been involved in mentorship?
A: “My mentoring dates back 20+ years and has spanned many of the mentoring roles offered by various professional organizations since, including Mentor Express, Mentor Connect and Table Talks (all Law Society programs), Peer Support through Assist, mentoring of law students through Canadian Bar Association – Alberta Branch, mentoring law students on their SLA (Student Legal Assistance) files, and a lot of spontaneous requests to connect over a whole range of issues and ideas, from file inquiries to resume review and networking, to support and advice while navigating difficult problems of all sorts, for law students, friends, family, colleagues and newcomers to our profession and/or internationally trained lawyers. “
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your role as a mentor?
A: “Sometimes I can offer some friendly words of support or advice that make a difference and when that happens it is truly rewarding! I have also been able to develop some deeper and lasting connections with some of the lawyers I have met over the years.”
Q: What do you hope your mentees take away from working with you?
A: “I hope that each mentee knows that I care about them and their journey in our profession.”
Q: What have you learned from working with your mentees?
A: “That every mentee is different, facing different challenges in themselves and in their circumstances, and that compassionate giving of yourself to another is a path to finding joy in your own life.”
Q: If another lawyer is thinking about becoming a mentor, what should they know beforehand?
A: “The more the merrier! Many people are seeking support and every hour you are able to give has the potential to make a big difference to someone who needs you. For those considering mentoring, know what you are able and willing to give, and then honour yourself by following your boundaries. Be willing to offer ideas or know where more resources can be obtained and always make space for mentees to develop the solutions to their own challenges, while offering a sounding board or encouragement.”
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. Read more Mentor Moments.
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.