The role of the mentor is to assume responsibility for the guidance of his/her mentee in the development of the mentee’s legal career at Dykema.

To that end, the mentor will, at a minimum:

• Develop an open and honest relationship with his/her mentee, and champion his/her mentee to others, within and outside of the firm.
• Serve as a positive role model for his/her mentee.
• With the mentee, develop an overall professional development plan, aimed at the progression and success of the mentee at Dykema, and in the legal profession.
• Monitor the mentee’s work assignments from others; obtain feedback from others regarding the mentee’s work, and share this feedback with the mentee in the context of the mentoring relationship; assist the mentee in developing the relationships necessary to get the work he/she desires.
• Meet at a minimum of twice monthly with his/her mentee (this can be done telephonically if necessary) to discuss work assignments, progress toward professional goals and progress/success at Dykema, client development, problems or concerns of the mentee, and any other issues that may arise.
• Identify any problem areas, and assist with remediation/intervention.  To the extent the mentor determines that additional assistance/intervention is needed, bring the issue in a timely manner to the Diversity Chair and the Chair of the Professional Personnel Committee.  Do not let problems or issues go unaddressed.
• Introduce his/her mentee to contacts in the legal and business community.
• Assure that his/her mentee is integrated fully into the firm.  To that end, see that non-minority members include the mentee in social activities, including lunches and dinners, and family and group activities. 
• Participate in regularly scheduled (likely quarterly) training/feedback/discussion sessions for mentors.
• Agree to mentor the mentee for at least a two-year period.  If the mentor-mentee relationship is not working, notify the Diversity Chair immediately, so that the transition to a new mentor can be made quickly and effectively.

Click on the link to read the article, "Retaining Diversity Through Mentoring: Theory and Practice by Margaret A. Costello.