Mentoring Program
The University of Tennessee College of Law offers law students an opportunity to establish a mentoring relationship with an experienced legal professional who can help the student identify and fulfill the student's professional goals. Through the mentoring program, students can ask questions about the practice of law, observe a professional work environment, and learn about professional associations and resources. The purpose of the mentoring program is to connect students at the College of Law with members of the legal community to promote professional growth and development. The program also offers experienced legal professionals the opportunity to inspire and encourage our talented law students.
About Our Students
Students who participate in this program come from a variety of geographic locations, undergraduate universities, and professional backgrounds. They are law students at all stages of their academic careers. Entering students are matched with a mentor during their first year of law school and may remain in the program until their graduation. Matches are based on criteria such as but not limited to the student's area of interest and geographic connections.
About our Mentors
Our mentors are legal professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help law students develop into future members of the legal community.
While mentors may live in Knoxville and its surrounding communities, legal professionals from all geographic regions are encouraged to participate in the mentoring program. To maintain the relationship, long-distance contact with students may be accomplished by e-mail, telephone, or video conference.
Eligible mentors must be in good standing with their state bar associations and any other relevant professional boards. "Good standing" refers to the maintenance of any necessary licenses, or if the mentor's work does not require a license, the absence of any disciplinary action by any relevant professional review boards.
About the Program
- The Mentoring Program matches mentors and students and offers mentors and students an opportunity to interact at a Fall Kick-Off Reception in certain locations.
- Participants are asked to interact at least twice per academic semester. Schedules permitting, participants are encouraged to communicate and/or meet as often as they like.
- Mentoring can take place via e-mail exchanges, telephone conversations, lunch meetings, coffee breaks, and videoconferencing.
- All program participants must take part in an orientation offered by the College of Law. Participants will also receive a copy of the Mentoring Program Handbook, which explains the program guidelines, goals, and expectations.
- Housed within the Career Services Office, the program is administered by the Mentoring Program Coordinator.
- While the program is designed to help law student develop into successful legal professionals, it is not intended as an employment program. Mentors are not expected to hire students.
Become a Mentor
Fill out our online application.
Contact Information
University of Tennessee
College of Law
Career Center
1505 W. Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1801
Phone: (865) 974-4348
Fax: (865) 974-3068
E-mail: lawmentoring@utk.edu