The Mentorship Program at Wilmington University School of Law

It is essential that law students build connections within the legal community and engage in identity growth, development, and awareness of their professional role. Recognizing the importance of these aspects of legal education, we require all first-year students to participate in our Mentor Program. This program provides valuable opportunities for students to engage with and learn from legal professionals in our surrounding community as they progress through their legal education. Download PDF of program. Read more about our first mentorship meeting and our end of year event.

The Mentors

Mentors from the surrounding communities eagerly give their time to our students throughout the year. Their experiences, diverse legal backgrounds, and expertise in practice areas play a critical role in helping students connect and provide them with early insights and growth opportunities. Our Mentors include attorneys from large and small firms, governmental agencies, and judges from trial and appellate courts. All mentors bring at least five years of experience to the program, with many having practiced law for a decade or more. Those dedicated professionals are committed to guiding and supporting our law students as they prepare to enter the legal profession.

"I was very impressed with the students and I had a great time speaking with my student. She was very engaging and interested in learning about my career and I was equally interested in learning about hers." Justice Karen Valihura, Delaware Supreme Court - Mentor

"Each of our meetings was productive. It was a great forum for my mentee to ask questions and refine strategies for academic achievement as well as practical real- world advice." Justin Alberto, Member at Cole Schotz - Mentor

Mentors for our programs include judges and attorneys from

United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware 
United States District Court for the District of Delaware
The Delaware Supreme Court
The Delaware Superior Court
The Family Court of Delaware 
The Court of Common Pleas 
The American Civil Liberties Union, Delaware 
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Benton Shockley Law, P.A.
Bloomdahl Law 
The City of Wilmington Law Department
Cole Schotz P.C.
Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.

The Delaware Department of Justice
Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya
Gonser and Gonser, P.A.
Heyman Enerio Gattuso & Hirzel LLP
Leonard Rivera Law, PLLC
Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
Potter, Anderson & Corroon LLP 
Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
Shelsby & Leoni, P.A. 
Tybout, Redfearn & Pell
Ward & Taylor, LLC
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP 
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP

First-Year Mentor Program

To foster early connections, the Office of Professional Development pairs each first-year student with a mentor who volunteers for the program. Matches are carefully made based on information provided by the students. Prior to meeting their mentors, students participate in a virtual Mentor Program Prep Session to learn about expectations and prepare for effective meetings. Both mentors and students receive structured guidance, including an outline and suggestions to facilitate meaningful conversations and build strong relationships.

Program Goals

Develop an understanding of professionalism
Explore how professionalism translates from the classroom to practice and beyond
Introduce students to the Delaware State Bar Association, other state and national bar associations, and legal organizations
Discuss ethical concerns and issues that could arise
Highlight the significance of diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the legal profession

Requirements for First-Year Students

Attend the virtual Mentor Program Prep Session
Meet mentor at the Mentor Kick-Off event during fall semester
Participate in at least four one-on-one meetings with mentor
Attend local bar association meeting with mentor
Submit written reflections to the Office of Professional Development
Attend the Mentor Closing Meeting at end of spring semester

"My Mentor generously shared her own academic background, the triumphs and tribulations she experienced practicing in corporate law as a partner, and her most recent work as a Delaware Supreme Court Justice. My Mentor also cited the intentional work of collaborating with other women in her firm and in other industries to build business and therefore thrive. " Marisa Rauscher, Second-Year Evening Student

"This month my meeting with my mentor was concentrated on interview tips and helping me to refine my answers. He also clarified any questions I had. He even set up an interview with the immigration department for a possible summer position." Genesis Joma, Second-Year Day Student

Second-Year Mentor Circles

For second-year students, Mentor Circles provide an additional opportunity to build connections and gain broader insights into the legal profession. These optional, small-group sessions are led by multiple mentors and aim to encourage discussion, broaden perspectives, and grow professional networks. Mentors work closely with their groups to identify student objectives, determine meeting formats and schedules, and address topics that best serve the group’s interests.

Mentor Circles Aim to

Deepen students’ understanding of the legal profession beyond the classroom
Offer tailored discussions based on individual and group goals

Upper-Level Students Requirements

Attend Mentor Circle Kick-Off event in fall semester
Participate in at least four group or one-on-one meetings with mentors
Submit written reflections to the Office of Professional Development
Attend Mentor Closing Celebration at the end of spring semester

The Mentor Program at Wilmington University School of Law is an integral part of our students’ professional growth and designed to provide meaningful connections and real-world insights that extend well beyond the classroom. The conversations and experiences that our students have provide meaningful growth opportunities and an early opportunity to see how classroom learning connects to practice.