When Chicago attorney Lisa M. Kpor was asked to capture her experience mentoring new attorneys, she noted the song “For Good” from the movie musical “Wicked: For Good.”
“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return… Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Kpor, who is litigation counsel at United, was describing her relationship with her two mentees, Maryam Muhammad, a judicial law clerk at the Circuit Court of Cook County, and Mona Ahmed, staff counsel at Walgreens.
They are part of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago’s (BWLA) Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring program, which pairs newer and more experienced attorneys for a one-year partnership.
The BWLA recently relaunched its mentoring program with 34 mentors and mentees in the fall 2025 class. BWLA is one of 50-plus bar associations, law firms, government offices, law schools, corporations, and other organizations across Illinois that currently use the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s professionalism-based curriculum to administer their mentoring program.
As new generations of lawyers from across cultures and backgrounds enter legal workplaces, mentoring is an intentional way to foster talent, share valuable knowledge, and create a culture of belonging that supports mutual understanding and retention.
And it works both ways. Mentors often report gaining more knowledge from their mentees than they impart, including insight into new technology and innovative ways to practice law.
We asked Lisa, Maryam, and Mona to reflect on their mentoring experience. Their responses follow.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned through your mentoring relationship?
Lisa: As a young lawyer, I heard individuals describe mentoring relationships as beneficial for both mentees and their mentors. I hardly believed those words to be true at the time. How could my assigned mentor possibly be better off by mentoring me?
With time, however, I have learned that mentoring relationships can indeed be transformative for mentees and their mentors.
Maryam: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through my mentoring relationship is how important it is to pour into those around you. Lisa has done, and continues to do, just that.
Mona: Watching Lisa be an amazing attorney and mentor while still managing to prioritize her family has been the biggest lesson and reassurance that women can have it all! It just takes a little creativity when it comes to time management.
How has mentoring contributed to your professional growth?
Lisa: I have started to realize my own growth through this mentoring journey with Mona and Maryam. My leadership skills are being sharpened, and my network continues to expand. Plus, my perspective on my own career and the careers of others has shifted in a remarkable way.
So, while Maryam and Mona may feel grateful to have me as a mentor, I am equally honored to have them in my life.
Maryam: My mentoring experience has enriched my professional growth in incredible ways. I have been able to foster connections with other lawyers from whom I am able to learn.
Lisa has been an integral part in opening my perspective on the legal profession through her insight and ability to inspire.
Mona: I utilize our mentoring sessions to check in with myself and make a mind-map of my goals.
What advice would you give to others thinking about joining a mentoring program?
Lisa: To attorneys who believe they do not have much to contribute in the form of mentorship, do not let impostor syndrome, fear, or uncommon legal [career] experience stand in the way of making a difference.
As I have said previously, we are in a unique position to have a transformative impact on the next generation of people who will practice law. Whether we take the opportunity or forfeit it is based on decisions we will encounter daily.
We are all busy, but I encourage lawyers to start with 30 minutes a month. Act as a mentor to a law student or young lawyer. Sign up to participate in a mentorship program. Collectively, there is so much we can do to help move our industry forward.
Maryam: I would recommend that others utilize the program by diving fully into the opportunities presented to them by their mentors, whether that includes networking events, monthly check-ins, or career advice.
Mentors offer a wealth of knowledge that new attorneys need to successfully navigate this profession.
Mona: My advice would be to show up as authentically as you can and to not be afraid to ask your mentor questions.
Quoting Oprah Winfrey, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”
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Find out how to get started in the Commission’s Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program by clicking here.
Mentors and mentees are eligible to receive six hours of professional responsibility CLE credit, including one hour of diversity and inclusion CLE and one hour of mental health and substance abuse CLE.
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