SHANE HOPKINS-UTTER
GUEST
UBC/CBA Mentorship Program Reception Downtown reception a big draw
T
his year, the CBA Member Services Manager, who B.C. Branch and UBC co-ordinated the CBA’s involveFaculty of Law Career ment in the program. Services Office hosted This year also marked the the annual Mentorship Reception first time the UBC Faculty of at the Law Courts Inn in downLaw First Nations Legal Studies town Vancouver on the evening Program was involved in the of October 25th. The event was a Mentorship match. First Nations tremendous success with over 150 lawyers and students were offered people in attendance. Many lawan opportunity to be matched. yers appreciated the convenience Jennifer Duncan, Advisor of the of the new location of the recepShane Hopkins-Utter First Nations Program, assisted in UBC/CBA Student tion, which in the past was held matching five students with menRepresentative at the Cecil Green House at UBC. tors, and hopes to attract larger Some took the opportunity to give numbers next year. their mentees a brief firm tour, or to meet with them As those who have participated in the Mentorship for dinner beforehand. Program can attest, there are many benefits enjoyed Mary Anne Bobinski, Dean of the UBC Faculty by both the mentors and mentees. Not only does it of Law, spoke briefly of the benefits of the program, provide both with the opportunity to gain a new perand thanked the mentors for welcoming law students spective and appreciation for the practice of law, but into the legal community and for providing them it builds a long-lasting professional relationship and with insight into the practice of law. Kaila Mikkelsen network with future colleagues. and Kerry Parker Smith, Director and Associate There were 177 students who participated this Director of the UBC Career Services Office, both year, and 170 mentors, several of whom volunteered of whom were actively involved in the Mentorship to mentor two students. While the program is run Program, were also in attendance. Several student primarily to introduce first-year students to the pracvolunteers from the UBC Articling Committee also tice of law, a large number of second- and third-year assisted at the event. students also participated in the program this year. Marika Giles, Young Lawyers’ Representative, As the UBC CBA Student Representative, I CBABC Executive Committee, presented two preswould like to thank all of the lawyers and students tigious awards at the reception to students who have who participated in the program this year and who demonstrated outstanding academic achievements attended the Mentorship Reception. I urge you to and who have served both the law school and their follow-up with your mentors and mentees soon, communities. The first, the CBA B.C. Branch and suggest that you stay in touch throughout Award, was presented to Jennifer Lau, Law III. the year to arrange casual meetings over coffee or Jennifer O’Leary, Law II, was the recipient of the lunch where you can continue to build your CBA Finance Services Award. Also in attendance relationship. If you have any questions, concerns, from the CBA B.C. Branch were Caroline Nevin, or feedback about the Mentorship Program, please Executive Director, Joanne Silver, Director of feel free to contact me, Shane Hopkins-Utter, at Stakeholder Relations, and Jennifer Weber, Branch ubc.cba.mentorship@bccba.org. BT December 2007 BARTALK
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