ECLA MENTORING PROJECT
A volunteering-based, free-to-participate pan-European opportunity to grow and share knowledge
The ECLA Mentoring Project is designed to foster a dynamic and impactful relationship between senior and junior in-house lawyers across Europe. This initiative pairs experienced legal professionals (Mentors) with those at the early stages of their careers (Mentees) to support the development of critical legal and managerial skills. Unlike traditional corporate mentoring programs, the ECLA Mentoring Project brings together in-house lawyers from different countries and industries, ensuring a unique, unbiased environment, where Mentees can freely express their challenges and aspirations without concerns about internal company dynamics or conflicts of interest.
This cross-border approach not only facilitates professional growth but also enriches both Mentors and Mentees with diverse perspectives on the role of in-house counsel. By sharing experiences from different legal systems, industries, and organisational cultures, participants gain invaluable insights that contribute to their personal and professional development. The ECLA Mentoring Project stands out by offering a platform for meaningful exchanges, where international inspiration and shared experiences enhance the effectiveness of in-house lawyers in their evolving roles.
To be a MENTOR in the ECLA Mentoring Project, one must be a member of an ECLA member association, over 40 years of age, with more than 15 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial role as an in-house lawyer. The ideal Mentor should possess an empathetic attitude, with strong listening, analytical, and advisory skills, and a genuine desire to share their professional experience. Effective communication, realism in providing feedback, optimism, and the ability to encourage Mentees to take on responsibilities are essential traits. Confidentiality and respect for the Mentee’s emotions are paramount, and prior mentoring experience is advisable.
To be a MENTEE in the ECLA Mentoring Project, one must be a member of an ECLA member association, generally under 40 years of age, or with less than 5 years of experience as an in-house counsel. The Mentee should have a maximum of 15 years of experience as an in-house lawyer and demonstrate proactivity by identifying areas for development and actively engaging in the mentoring program. It is essential to establish and maintain an open, honest dialogue with the Mentor, approach the project with realism by setting achievable objectives, and critically analyze working conditions. A Mentee should possess an active listening attitude, a strong eagerness to learn, and a commitment to achieving the goals of the mentoring project, while understanding that the final decisions rest with them. Reliability, confidentiality, and regular communication with the Mentor are also crucial.
The ECLA Mentoring project conducts itself with 10 foundational rules:
1.Define the terms of the “Agreement”: explain in a clear way the mutual (and realistic) expectations, defining the goals (e.g. career change, the enhancement of one’s role within the company, the development of networking skills, work / private life balance);
2.Be proactive: MENTEE must have a positive attitude, propose initiatives, accept feedback and act accordingly; MENTOR must support the achievement of the agreed goals by an active and positive attitude that stimulates, encourages, helps the MENTEE;
3.A clear and transparent communication;
4.Keep the confidentiality of each other information. Mentor and Mentee shall be part of companies from different sectors in order to avoid any conflict of interest;
5.Be open, flexible and honest by establishing an informal and trustworthy relationship, allowing to know each other and to leave your own comfort zone;
6.Listen to each other, in order to understand each other better and to respect and cooperate;
7. Be reliable and respectful of the rules of the project and of the time mutually made available for this initiative. The duration is approximately 12 months and it is recommended at least 6 meetings (in person, via skype or telephone) on a monthly or bimonthly basis;
8.Remember that the relationship is professional and not personal: therefore, avoid judgments and remember that confidentiality is an integral part of the relationship to be maintained even at the end of the mentoring project;
9.Verify progress through mutual (constructive) feedback during the mentoring relationship;
10. Encourage dialogue and discussion: good questions are as important as good advice.
If the information above is of interest for you, we encourage you to register below as either a MENTOR or a MENTEE, depending on your background and experiences.
Additional info to note
Please note that the language of conduct is English. The sessions should be organised remotely, as this enables it to be a true pan-European project. In person meetings are possible but not essential for the goals this project aims to attain.
The duration of a mentoring session is to be 12 months, from January to December, with the first session beginning in January 2025. Mentors and Mentees will be matched within 30 November 2024 and within 15 December 2024.
The deadline to sign up to participate is 31 October 2024.
Registration