A central component of MAMAS is its active mentoring program.  The purpose of the program is to pair a law student-mother or first-time mom who is already in practice with an attorney-mother who can provide advice and encouragement as mentees navigate being both a mother and an attorney.  This program allows new attorney-mothers and student-moms to problem-solve and talk about the personal and professional issues they face with an experienced mother attorney. This personal connection to another mother and attorney provides a supportive place to ask questions and learn how others successfully manage family and work responsibilities in the legal world.

MAMAS hosts a Mentor Program reception for all mentors and mentees once a year.  The reception is an opportunity for past, current and prospective mentees and mentors to meet. 

See what some of the law student MAMAS mentees are saying about the program:

Carrie Hobbs, Seattle University Law Student:  “The MAMAS Mentoring Program has been invaluable to me. Despite her busy schedule, my MAMAS mentor has been a constant source of support for me. She has encouraged me to attend the monthly meetings, has always inquired about my well-being, and has provided me guidance whenever she can.”

Jenna Ichikawa, University of Washington Law Student: “The MAMAS Mentoring Program is great for anyone new to balancing family commitments with a legal career. I was paired with an attorney practicing in real estate and consumer lending litigation. My mentor has been extremely encouraging and has also introduced me to a number of other mother attorneys practicing in various areas of law.  I appreciated having a personal connection to an attorney with whom I could candidly discuss work-life balance in the legal profession, as well as how to transition from student life to practicing law.”  

Erica Doctor, Seattle University Law Student: “I really loved having the ability to ask practical questions. I asked my mentor about things like etiquette in certain circumstances, or whether firms in Seattle would be more or less likely to hire someone in various situations, or what kinds of jobs to take in a difficult market, and what kinds of jobs not to take. My mentor was also very helpful with explaining how to determine whether firms are family-friendly. I had a very good experience with the Mentor Program.”

Sunshine Eversull, Seattle University Law Student: “The MAMAS Mentoring Program helped me see my role as a working mother in a more positive light.  I liked meeting with my mentor – she helped me form ideas of what practicing in a firm, while also being an amazing mother, could be like. Demystification of the law firm culture and personal encouragement are the best two features that came out of my mentor/mentee relationship.”

How can I get involved? Any MAMAS member is welcome to sign up for a mentor. To become a MAMAS member, visit the Membership click here.

Law students are welcome to join as associate members with no dues required.

To register for the Mentor Program, email the Seattle University contact at SeattleU@mamaseattle.org or the University of Washington contact at UWA@mamasseattle.org.  Please send the following information:

• Name
• Home Address
• Phone
• Email Address
• Law School and Anticipated Year of Graduation
• Practice Areas of Interest
• Name(s) of Child(ren) and Age(s)
• Other Interests

How often do mentors and mentees meet? Mentors and mentees must meet at least twice per year, but many pairs choose to meet more often or to supplement in-person meetings with email and telephone communication. Meetings can be over coffee, a meal, in an office, or anywhere convenient for both parties. The duration of the meetings will be up to each pair.

How are mentors and mentees matched? Pairs are typically matched with mentors based on the mentee’s practice area interest and/or by the age(s) of the child or children.

When are mentors and mentees matched?  Mentors and mentees are matched in late fall.  Each mentor and mentee will receive the other's contact information.  It is the responsibility of the mentee to make the initial contact with the mentor within a few weeks of the pairing.

How can I become a Mentor?  It’s easy! Just email mentoring@mamaseattle.org with the following information:

• Name
• Home Address
• Work Address
• Phone
• Email Address
• Practice Areas
• Law School and Year of Law School Graduation
• How many years have you been in practice?
• Name(s) and Age(s) of Child(ren)
• Please indicate if you have a preference for a law student or expecting/first-time mother attorney as a mentee
• Other interests

How often do mentors meet with mentees?  The minimum requirement for mentors and mentees is to meet twice per year, however many pairs may choose to meet more often or to keep regular contact via email and telephone communication.  

When are mentors and mentees matched?  Mentors and mentees are matched in late fall.  Each mentor and mentee will receive the other's contact information.  It is the responsibility of the mentee to make the initial contact with the mentor within a few weeks of the pairing.

Are there any other obligations? Mentors are encouraged to attend the once-a-year Mentor Program reception to celebrate the program with their mentee. The reception is usually held in the fall.

Where should I meet with my mentee? Meetings can be as formal or informal as you and your mentee wish. Some pairs meet over lunch or coffee, while others meet in an office setting for convenience and a quiet place to talk.  This is really up to you!