Leadership Spotlight: John Rumely, Chair, Mentoring Committee

John Rumely, Regional Manager, Marketing - Nixon Peabody LLP

1.  Tell me about the Mentoring Program, what's it all about, when did it start?   

The Mentoring Program in the Metropolitan New York Chapter began in 2006 in response to the expressed need among junior members of the chapter, as well as others who are new to legal marketing, for career advice.  The program offers new members a great opportunity to meet other marketing professionals and get a better feel for what directions this career choice might offer.  It's important for marketers new to the profession to know that different law firms organize their marketing departments differently - practices vary from one firm to another.  This is good to remember in keeping things in perspective.

2.  Who can/should take advantage?  How can members get involved either as mentors or mentees? 

Potential mentees are those who are seeking advice on what legal marketing is all about (whether you're just entering the field or are considering it as a career change), as well as those already in the field who are looking for new responsibilities (such as moving from business development to competitive research or CRM management). 

For mentors, we are seeking people who are interested in giving back to our profession by assisting those who might benefit from experience in the field.  I can tell you personally, it is very rewarding to discuss the field with newcomers. 

For the chapter, the mentoring program is an excellent way to boost membership, identify potential leaders from the new members, and offer a way for the veterans to make a contribution.

3.  How many mentors and mentees have participated in the program since its inception and/or how many people are currently participating in the program?

At any given time, there are probably half a dozen mentoring relationships we're monitoring - some for just a few visits and others for a lengthy period of time.  Some mentors have more than one mentee, but we try to keep it one-to-one. 

4.  What are the goals of the program as you push into the last quarter of the year and gear up for 2009?  

We see this program as an effort that brings additional value to LMA membership.  It gives members an opportunity to meet new members and gives more experienced members an opportunity to contribute.  We have identified several new chapter leaders from among the ranks of mentors/mentees so it's good for the organization, too.

5.  What's a great success story you can briefly share?

I personally mentored a graduate student who was working as an intern at a boutique firm.  I helped him identify ways he could use his marketing tools to better serve the attorneys.  Towards the end of the mentoring engagement, they authorized him to interview the firm's clients with a survey instrument I helped him draft.  He is confident he'll find a job in the field and so am I.  Now, I am assisting him in targeting firms with practice areas that build on his strengths.

There have also been several mentees who have come to me to express their thanks for introducing them to mentors.   I can only assume they benefited if they cared enough to seek me out at LMA meetings to express their gratitude.  

For more information regarding the Mentoring program, either to participate as a mentor or a mentee, please contact John Rumely at jrumely@nixonpeabody.com.