A Mentor Moment with Shannon Houston
“I want mentee’s to know that learning is an ongoing process, and that they can always continue to grow and adapt as a professional.”
Shannon Houston has been involved in mentorship for the past eight years and joined the Law Society’s Mentor Connect Program in 2024.
Q: Tell us a bit about your current mentoring relationship:
A: “In my most recent mentor relationship, I had the privilege of mentoring a junior lawyer through the Mentor Connect program. She expressed an interest in immigration law, which is my practice area, as well as in understanding how to effectively manage a legal practice while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Throughout our mentorship, I spoke about how I have built my own practice in corporate based immigration law, and how to stay updated with the constantly changing policies. In addition, we devoted a significant portion of our sessions to discussing practice management, the importance of professional development and the elusive work-life balance. I shared insights on how to set realistic expectations, prioritize tasks and manage workloads effectively. We also explored ways to avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being in this demanding profession.”
Q: How long have you been involved in mentorship?
A: “I have been involved in mentorship through my firm for the past 8 years, with our summer and articling students, as well as our junior associates. I joined the Law Society of Alberta’s Mentor Connect program in 2024.”
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your role as a mentor?
A: “What I enjoy most about my role as a mentor is the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s professional and personal development. Watching my mentee grow, gain confidence and start to apply the knowledge and skills we’ve discussed is incredibly rewarding. It’s also fulfilling to help someone navigate the challenges of the legal profession, whether it’s tackling complex legal issues or finding ways to manage the demands of the job while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Another aspect I really enjoy is the opportunity to share insights and experiences from my own career. It’s a great feeling to know that the guidance and advice I offer can make a difference, whether in helping them solve a particular problem or in shaping their long-term career goals. The mentorship relationship is also mutually beneficial—I learn from my mentee’s fresh perspectives and challenges, which helps me reflect on my own practices and approach.
Ultimately, being a mentor allows me to contribute to the growth of the legal profession by supporting the next generation of lawyers, which is something I find both personally and professionally fulfilling.”
Q: What do you hope your mentee takes away from working with you?
A: “I hope my mentee takes away a combination of practical skills, confidence and valuable insights that will help them navigate their legal career in their own way. There is no one solution for everyone – it is truly about finding what works best for you and the complexities of your own life and practice, so it is incredibly important for young lawyers to gain various perspectives to find and experiment with what works best for them.
Professionally, I want them to feel more equipped to handle the complexities of the practice of law, in whatever practice area that may be, as well as the challenges of general practice management. I hope they gain a strong understanding of how to balance the technical aspects of the law with the human side of client relationships, as well as how to approach work in a structured and thoughtful way.
Most importantly, I hope they feel more confident in their abilities and empowered to take ownership of their career. I want them to know that learning is an ongoing process, and that they can always continue to grow and adapt as a professional.”
Q: What have you learned from working with your mentees?
A: “One of the most important things I’ve learned is the value of seeing legal practice through a fresh perspective. At times, their questions and approach made me rethink certain strategies and techniques, reminding me that there’s always room for growth and innovation, even for experienced professionals.
I’ve also learned more about the unique challenges that junior lawyers face, particularly when it comes to managing work-life balance and dealing with the pressures of the profession, and how those concepts have changed over the years. Their openness about these challenges has made me more mindful of the need to constantly reassess how we, as senior practitioners, can provide support in a comprehensive way for this new generation of lawyers.
Additionally, the mentorship relationship has reinforced the importance of clear communication and active listening. It’s one thing to offer advice, but it’s another to truly listen to my mentee’s needs, concerns, and aspirations. This experience has sharpened my ability to offer more tailored guidance and has reminded me how vital empathy and understanding are in fostering a strong relationship.”
Q: If another lawyer is thinking about becoming a mentor, what should they know beforehand?
A: “First, mentorship requires a genuine commitment of time and energy. While it’s rewarding, it’s important to be prepared to invest in the relationship, whether that’s through regular meetings, offering guidance, or being available to answer questions. The process can take time, but it’s worth it for the growth of both the mentee and the mentor.
Second, I would encourage potential mentors to be open to learning from their mentees. Mentorship is a two-way street. While you’re providing guidance and sharing your experience, you’ll also gain new insights and perspectives from your mentee’s fresh outlook on the profession. This exchange can be energizing and rewarding.
Lastly, it’s essential to recognize that mentorship is not just about giving technical advice—it’s about all-around support of the mentee. This includes listening and offering guidance on personal well-being, work-life balance, and career aspirations. It’s important to understand that your mentee is still developing their own style and approach to the law.”
Being a mentor is about investing in someone’s growth, sharing your knowledge and experiences, and fostering a positive and supportive relationship. It can be a fulfilling and impactful experience for both sides.”
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.