The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism developed this Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Plan to assist and support organizations in their development of mentoring programs and to serve as a roadmap for mentoring participants. The content here within was developed from an examination of current research, an exploration of mentoring principles and practices across the country, feedback from the Circuit Wide Professionalism Initiative of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, and from the experience and the mentoring work of other state Commissions.
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism gratefully acknowledges the Georgia Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism, the Ohio Commission on Professionalism, and the 17th Judicial Circuit of Illinois for their contributions to this Program Guide.
Thomas Jakeway is the designated program administrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Mentoring Program. Please use the following contact information for the submission of any documents, questions or other concerns that may arise in the course of your mentoring relationship:
Thomas Jakeway
Deputy Court Administrator
Winnebago County Courthouse
400 West State Street, room 215
Rockford, Illinois 61101
Phone: 815-319-4830
Fax: 815-319-4801
Email: tjakeway@wincoil.us
The lawyer to lawyer mentoring program shall commence with an orientation meeting designed to: provide mentors and new attorneys with an overview of the mentoring program; disseminate and review the materials needed to effectively complete the mentoring program; and address effective communication and problem-solving strategies. Orientation participation shall be required for all mentors and new lawyers participating in the program.