“It is my hope that a mentee would be able to see their practice in a new, fresh and promising light.”
John S.D. Kong has been involved in mentorship for many years and has been a mentor with the Law Society’s Mentor Connect program since 2017.
Why he became involved with Mentor Connect:
“My involvement with Mentor Connect was a natural consequence of my many years of service to the Law Society of Alberta in both Conduct and Practice Assessment assignments.”
A bit about his current mentoring relationship:
“My latest and most current mentorship is with a colleague who is transitioning from a firm setting to a sole practice environment. I am hoping that I can impart my experience and knowledge as a sole practitioner to this Member and look forward to seeing him succeed, and finding happiness in being an excellent lawyer, and in his practice.”
What he enjoys the most about being a mentor with the Mentor Connect program:
“One of the most incredible and rewarding experiences in being a mentor is to see how a small bit of advice and encouragement, or a caring ear and sounding board can give a colleague a much needed new perspective, and motivation to do better, and carry onward.
In return, the interaction reminds me of where I used to be as a lawyer starting out. And in giving back having the satisfaction of helping a colleague find meaning and remain positive about practice.”
What he hopes his mentee learns from working with him:
“It is my hope that a mentee would be able to see their practice in a new, fresh and promising light. All of us are susceptible to being discouraged and challenged. If I can give something positive back to a colleague, be it advice or insight, that would indeed be worthwhile.”
What he has learned from working with his mentee:
“I have learned that we have all been ‘there’ at one time or another. And as senior counsel, we have much to offer and give back to those who may find moments of struggle or difficulty.”
If a lawyer is thinking about becoming a mentor, they should know…
“that they have much to offer because of their years of practice, and that it is worthy to give back to the profession in this way and to impart a little wisdom, some sage advice, and some real life experience.”
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.