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About the Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program
In 2004, the Commission on Professionalism began exploring the feasibility of a state-wide mentoring program for newly admitted lawyers in Ohio. The theory underlying the initiative was that fostering relationships between beginning and experienced lawyers would create a necessary setting where the seasoned lawyer would mentor the new lawyer in the transition from student to practitioner, passing on fundamental skills and core values of professionalism essential to the practice of law.
The Commission gathered information on mentoring programs throughout the country. Ultimately, it focused on a mentoring program recently adopted by the State Bar of Georgia. Georgia's successful pilot program provided the framework for Ohio's Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program. Based on Georgia's model, the Commission determined that a pilot program should be implemented with one group of new lawyers in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a formal mentoring program in Ohio. This pilot program will commence with the lawyers admitted in May, 2006, and will last for one year. Thereafter, the Commission will evaluate the program's effectiveness and make recommendations to the Supreme Court of Ohio about the permanent implementation of a mentoring program for Ohio's new lawyers.
The Program Objective
The purpose of the mentoring program is to elevate the competence, professionalism and success of Ohio lawyers by creating mentoring relationships pursuant to which an experienced lawyer provides guidance to and shares practical knowledge and skills with a new lawyer during the critical transition from law student to legal practitioner. Specifically, the mentoring relationship should foster the development of the new lawyer's practical skills and increase his or her knowledge of legal customs; should create a sense of pride and integrity in the legal profession; should promote collegial relationships among legal professionals and involvement in the organized bar; should improve legal ability and professional judgment; and should encourage the use of best practices and highest ideals in the practice of law.
More about the Program
Executive Summary of the Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program 
Supreme Court to Pilot Statewide Mentoring Program - Jan. 11, 2006
Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer's Announcement of the Mentoring Program - Jan. 11, 2006
Supreme Court Extends Statewide Mentoring Pilot Program for Lawyers - July 20, 2006