Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship programs are a valuable opportunity for legal professionals to grow their competence, confidence and network, and for experienced professionals to contribute back to the legal profession.

This page provides mentorship resources and information on mentorship programs for legal professionals in British Columbia, including their cost, the conditions of eligibility, enrolment and registration information. The list of mentorship programs and resources is provided for informational purposes only. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and not intended to be an endorsement of the programs, their content, nor the organizations themselves.

The organizations included in the list have provided their consent to the information being shared on this page. If your organization runs a mentorship program for lawyers, law students in B.C. or individuals in the NCA process in B.C., and you would like to be added to this list, please email communications@lsbc.org.


This program’s mandate is to facilitate social networking and mentoring for Aboriginal law students and lawyers. This includes hosting a variety of events and programs including both informal and formal mentoring. 

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch (CBABC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? This program provides a networking and mentoring forum for Aboriginal lawyers, law students and law graduates. While membership in CBABC is necessary, all CBABC members, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, who support the mandate are welcome to join the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum. Participation in ALF events is open to ALF and CBABC membership.

Who is eligible to be a mentor? This program does not formally match mentees to mentors. Members of ALF participate in events and social networking opportunities to facilitate the retention of Aboriginal people in the legal profession and the support and enhancement of the stature and influence of Aboriginal people in the legal profession. Participation in ALF events is open to ALF and CBABC membership.

What is the cost? Annual CBABC membership fees vary depending on one’s status and are updated on a yearly basis. Individuals interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee are encouraged to visit the CBABC website to learn more about CBA membership fees and benefits. The cost of membership varies from being free for law students at BC law schools to $754/year for full-time experienced practicing lawyers.  
NOTE: The CBABC runs an Indigenous Lawyers Waiver of Dues program. Indigenous lawyers who are interested in joining CBABC but face financial challenges are invited to apply to the program. Please view the CBABC website for more information about the Indigenous Lawyers Waiver of Dues program and how to apply for it.

What is the expected time commitment? Members of the ALF may attend as many events, programs, gatherings, informal and formal mentoring and networking opportunities as they are able to.

When is my application due?  The program requires membership in ALF and the CBABC.  

How do I submit my application? Please visit the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum on the CBABC website for information about how to become a member of the section.
 

An online mentoring program to assist TAS members on matters such as the path to partnership, managing difficult situations, business development, career transitions, and strategies for success. The mentorship program is hosted on Mentorship Rocket, a Canadian online platform that supports micro-mentoring sessions initiated by mentees.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by The Advocates’ Society.  

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Prospective mentees must be members of The Advocates’ Society and be a lawyer in good standing practicing advocacy in Canada.  

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Prospective mentors must be members of The Advocates’ Society and be a lawyer in good standing practicing advocacy in Canada. They are from a variety of areas of practice and provinces across Canada.

What is the cost? Membership rates begin at $285/year for junior members (less than five years of call) and $345/year for regular members (at least five years of call). Please visit The Advocates’ Society website for a list of membership categories and related costs.

What is the expected time commitment? Mentees will have access to a gallery of 150+ mentors, who are only visible to members registered in the program. Mentees review profiles in the mentor gallery and contact mentors with available sessions for a one-hour micro-mentoring session at a time convenient to both parties. 

When is my application due?  TAS Junior members (up to five years of call) are automatically uploaded to the Mentorship Rocket site. New junior members are added to the program after each Board meeting when new members are approved. TAS Regular members (over five years of call) may opt in to be a mentee in the program on their member profile page.  

How do I submit my application? Please visit this page to become a member of The Advocates’ Society.
 

The program matches mentees to industry-leading mentors outside their field of specialization across investment banking, legal advisory, commercial banking, private equity and corporate development to further their development and broaden their networks.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Association for Corporate Growth BC (ACG-BC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Program applicants should have between three to six years of professional experience, be recognized as a high performer within their organization, have the background and aspirations to succeed in the deal-making community, and be willing to be engaged and committed to connecting with their mentor. Successful applicants must be or become members of ACG.   

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Mentors are identified by ACG.  

What is the cost? There is no cost to mentees for this program, other than the cost of membership. Membership information and fees are available here.  

What is the expected time commitment? This is a one-year program where mentees and mentors connect virtually or in person every 6 to 8 weeks and participate in two education/networking events designed to accelerate personal and professional growth. Informal networking with other program participants is encouraged but optional.

When is my application due?  This program runs on an annual basis. Applications are typically received in February.  

How do I submit my application? Please visit the ACG Mentorship webpage for more information about when and how to apply to become a mentee. 
 

A program to connect members with a trusted support system of established mentors and support their growth and success, as legal professionals and individuals.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) in partnership with the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Prospective law students, law students and junior lawyers in Canada who are members of CABL or BLSA may apply to become a mentee.

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Upper year law students who are members of CABL or BLSA may apply to become mentors to law students, while experienced lawyers who are members of CABL may apply to mentor junior lawyers.  

What is the cost? Membership in CABL is free for law students who are members of BLSA. CABL membership ranges from $75 to $150, depending on status. Membership information and fees are available here.  

What is the expected time commitment? The program aims to provide a supportive network of mentors and mentees that can help build and sustain a diverse, equitable and inclusive legal community. The program does not set specific expectations regarding the duration of the mentorship relationship or the frequency of meetings between the mentee and the mentor.

When is my application due?  Registration is available on a rolling basis.

How do I submit my application? Please visit this page to sign up for membership in CABL or use this form to sign up for the program.   
 

A program offering lawyers with less than ten years of call to be matched with a mentor based on their priority criteria (e.g., area of practice, work environment, race, gender identity or sexual orientation).

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch (CBABC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Mentees in this program are primarily early career lawyers (with less than 10 years of call), and must be a member of CBA-BC. They may be a practicing or non-practicing member of LSBC, an articling student or an individual in the NCA process.

Who is eligible to be a mentor? It is recommended that mentors have at least 5 years of call. They must be CBABC members, and may be practicing, non-practicing or retired members of the LSBC.

What is the cost? Annual CBABC membership fees vary depending on one’s status and are updated on a yearly basis. Individuals interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee are encouraged to visit the CBABC website to learn more about CBA membership fees and benefits. The cost of membership varies from being free for law students at BC law schools to $754/year for full-time experienced practicing lawyers.  

What is the expected time commitment? The Career Starters Mentorship Program represents a commitment to a 10-month mentoring relationship. Mentors and mentees are expected to connect in person or via email at least once a month. Although mentees are expected to initiate contact, mentors can be proactive in providing opportunities to connect and should be reasonably reachable by their mentee via email or phone. 

When is my application due?  This program runs on an annual basis. Enrolment generally opens in August for the following year. Please visit the Career Starters Mentorship Program for more information.

How do I submit my application? Please visit the Career Starters Mentorship Program on the CBCBC website for information about when and how to submit your application.

A program dedicated to in-house counsel which enables connection to an active and inclusive community of lawyers from varied career stages, lived experiences, and areas of interest, practice and expertise. Mentoring pairs are matched by a certified career coach to ensure the helpful getting and giving of advice on career growth, professional development and future opportunities.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Canadian Bar Association In-House Lawyers (CBA In-House), formerly the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (CCCA).   

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Prospective mentees must be working in an in-house lawyer role and must be members of the CBA as well the CBA In-House Lawyers section.   

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Prospective mentors must be members of the CBA as well the CBA In-House Lawyers section and have at least five years of in-house experience.

What is the cost? Annual CBABC membership fees vary depending on one’s status and are updated on a yearly basis. Individuals interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee are encouraged to visit the CBABC website to learn more about CBA membership fees and benefits. The cost of membership varies from being free for law students at BC law schools to $754/year for full-time experienced practicing lawyers.  

What is the expected time commitment? This program represents a commitment to a 6-month formal mentoring relationship. Mentee and mentor are expected to connect in person or virtually at least once per month.  

When is my application due?  This is a rolling admission program.

How do I submit my application? To register interest in participating as a mentor or mentee, email mentoring@cbainhouse.org with the following information: full name, position title, organization, address, contact number and preferred email address, CBA/CBA In-House Lawyers member number and interest in participating as a mentee or mentor. The Mentoring Advisor will follow up to obtain other information and conduct a virtual interview.  
 

The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL) runs the largest mentorship program in B.C. for Asian Canadian students, with over 150 mentor/mentee pairings. The program is focused on helping law and articling students develop into lawyers that are more passionate and productive in their professional and personal lives. The mentorship program has three different pairing streams:1) a program for law students and articling students; 2) a program for junior and mid-level lawyers, and 3) peer mentorship pairings. 

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers B.C. Society.

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Prospective mentees will be members of FACL B.C. and may be law students, articling students, junior lawyers in their first year of call onwards, or mid-level lawyers.

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Mentors will be members of FACL B.C. For law students and articling students, mentors should have at least one year of call. For junior and mid-level lawyers, mentors should have at least three years of call.  

What is the cost? The cost of membership varies depending on one’s status. It is free for students and $80 for full members and supporting members. As fees may vary over time, please visit the FACL BC website for information about the different membership levels.    

What is the expected time commitment? This is a one-year mentorship program, beginning mid-January and ending in February of the following year. Mentors and mentees will connect in person or virtually for one hour per month. FACL BC also hosts events throughout the year to encourage gatherings among pairings.  

When is my application due?  This is an annual program. Registration for 2026 is expected to open in October/November 2025. Spots are limited and pairings are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do I submit my application? Prospective mentees can sign up at the FACL BC’s Mentorship program page during the registration period.
 

This program consists of a series of 90-minute discussions on a particular topic. It is led by several distinguished members of the bench and bar. Following the discussion, participants dine informally with the group leaders. Completion of the program will provide up to 9 hours towards CPD credits. 

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Vancouver Bar Association.

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Prospective mentees are lawyers who have 2 to 8 years of call.

Who is eligible to be a mentor? The Inns of Court Program does not actively solicit mentors. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, you can reach out to the Program Coordinator, Tom Newnham, at tnewnham@dolden.com.

What is the cost? Prospective mentees are subject to a $25 application fee, which will be returned if participation cannot be accommodated in the program. If an applicant is accepted, a $385 fee in the form of a cheque or e-transfer will be required to cover the cost of 6 dinners.   

What is the expected time commitment? The program includes six sessions, every second Wednesday of the month, from 5:00pm to 8:30pm at Charest Legal Solutions in downtown Vancouver. Participants will be expected to review the relevant reading materials before each session.

When is my application due?  The program runs twice a year (starting in January and September).

How do I submit my application? Those wishing to submit an application can contact the program coordinator, Tom Newnham, at tnewnham@dolden.com, at any time during the year.
 

A mentorship program offering junior counsel opportunities on serious criminal cases, including murder/manslaughter contracts, criminal case management contracts, and other contracts with significant complexity and seriousness.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by Legal Aid BC (LABC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Mentees will be junior criminal lawyers with a LABC vendor number on a LABC contract. Exact eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.   

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Mentors will be senior criminal lawyers with a LABC vendor number on a LABC contract. Exact eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What is the cost? There is no cost to mentees for this program.

What is the expected time commitment? It will depend on the specific case. For murder/manslaughter contracts, 75 hours are automatically included in the contract for junior counsel. In other serious or complex cases, LABC may approve up to 75 junior hours on a criminal standard contract, to assist with preparation and court attendance. For criminal management cases, junior hours are determined during the budget setting process.

When is my application due?  There is no set application process. In most cases, senior lawyers will request a junior lawyer on their case. If a less experienced lawyer is on a case with serious complexity, LABC may ask on occasion that the case be transferred to a senior lawyer while the less experienced lawyer will remain as a junior.

How do I submit my application? If you have an LABC contract and you are wondering if it is suitable for a junior, please submit an authorization request. If you have any questions, please reach out to lawyer.support@legalaid.bc.ca.  
 

A program for law students to join for personal growth and professional advancement, in which mentees can prioritize matching criteria including area of practice, work environment, geographic location, race, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch (CBABC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Mentees in this program are primarily first year students at a law school in B.C. (UBC, UVic or TRU). Second year students may participate based on mentor availability. Mentees must be members of CBABC.

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Mentors may be practicing, non-practicing or retired members of the LSBC.

What is the cost? Annual CBABC membership fees vary depending on one’s status and are updated on a yearly basis. Individuals interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee are encouraged to visit the CBABC website to learn more about CBA membership fees and benefits. The cost of membership varies from being free for law students at BC law schools to $754/year for full-time experienced practicing lawyers.  

What is the expected time commitment? The Law Student Mentorship Program represents a commitment to an 8-month mentoring relationship. Mentors and mentees are expected to connect in person or via email at least once a month. Although mentees are expected to initiate contact, mentors can be proactive in providing opportunities to connect and should be reasonably reachable by their mentee via email or phone. 

When is my application due?  This program runs on an annual basis. Enrolment generally opens in August for the following year. Please visit the Law Student Mentorship Program for more information.

How do I submit my application? Please visit the Law Student Mentorship Program on the CBCBC website for information about when and how to submit your application.
 

Resource Organization Summary
Mentorship Matters

By Jessica Forman, Harmit Sarai & Sarah Ewart
June 2023
 
BarTalk Offers tips for mentors and mentees on how to foster a mutually beneficial mentorship.
The Power of Allyship: Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Colleagues

By Emily Quinn & Maximilian Liebrecht
June 2024
 
BarTalk Talks about understanding allyship and its impact, and includes actionable tips for how legal professionals can commit to allyship.
The Advocate’s Society Guide to Mentoring

February 2018
 
The Advocate’s Society Guide to finding an appropriate mentor or mentee, growing the relationship, and measuring success.
Being a Mentor in the Legal Profession

December 2020
 
Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia (LAPBC) Discusses practices for a successful mentorship.

Two types of case-specific mentoring. Mentoring assistance is designed to help lawyers take on more serious cases with greater procedural or substantive complexity. Apprentice counsel allows mentee lawyers to act as junior counsel on an experienced lawyer’s case.

Which organization offers the program? The programs are run by Legal Aid BC (LABC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? The eligibility of mentees is based on the case in question and assesses on a case-by-case basis. Generally, mentees will be lawyers taking on LABC work, with less than five years of call or less than five years of practice experience in the relevant area of law. 

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Mentors will be lawyers with at least 10 years of experience in the relevant practice area and LABC vendors.  

What is the cost? There is no cost to mentees for this program.

What is the expected time commitment? For mentoring assistance, LABC will authorize up to 10 hours, based on the expected time demands of the case. For apprentice counsel, LABC will authorize up to a maximum of 75 hours for the mentee and 15 hours for the mentor.

When is my application due?  Authorization for mentoring assistance or apprentice counsel should be requested well in advance through the LABC lawyer portal. LABC will not grant authorization retroactively.
 

Legal Aid BC’s general membership program, it supports junior lawyers to obtain mentoring assistance on their Legal Aid BC cases from experienced counsel.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by Legal Aid BC (LABC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Mentees are tariff lawyers working on LABC files, with less than five years of call, or who have been practicing in the relevant area of law for less than five years, (a vendor number will be required).

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Mentors are lawyers and LABC vendors with at least 10 years of experience in the relevant practice area.
NOTE: Mentors apply as for a contract position and successful candidates are selected by LABC.

What is the cost? There is no cost to mentees for this program. Mentors are paid in accordance with LABC’s tariff rates.  

What is the expected time commitment? Mentors will be expected to provide between 2-4 hours per month (up to 48 hours annually) to mentor junior lawyers.

When is my application due?  The program is available on a rolling basis. Mentees may reach out directly to a set of identified mentors available on the LABC website who will take them on as mentees, as their schedule allows.

How do I submit my application? Please visit the mentoring opportunities at LABC webpage for more information about becoming a mentee or a mentor.  
 

A Vancouver-based non-profit organization that provides free mentorship to aspiring lawyers. Services intend to offer professional and academic mentorship to diverse youth aspiring to enter the legal profession.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by Raise the Bar Legal Access and Diversity Initiative. 

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Prospective mentees will be aspiring and current law students in B.C.   

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Raise the Bar looks to add diverse lawyers and law students to their roster of mentors on a rolling basis. Interested individuals are asked to contact the organization at Raise the Bar.

What is the cost? Mentorship is free for both mentees and mentors. 

What is the expected time commitment? This is a self-directed program. Mentees and mentors will meet at the frequency they see fit.

When is my application due?  The program accepts applications on a rolling basis.   

How do I submit my application? Contact Raise the Bar Legal Access and Diversity Initiative for more information.
 
Which organization offers the program? The program is run by Raise the Bar Legal Access and Diversity Initiative. 

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Prospective mentees will be aspiring and current law students in B.C.   

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Raise the Bar looks to add diverse lawyers and law students to their roster of mentors on a rolling basis. Interested individuals are asked to contact the organization at Raise the Bar.

What is the cost? Mentorship is free for both mentees and mentors. 

What is the expected time commitment? This is a self-directed program. Mentees and mentors will meet at the frequency they see fit.

When is my application due?  The program accepts applications on a rolling basis.   

How do I submit my application? Contact Raise the Bar Legal Access and Diversity Initiative for more information.
 

This program facilitates mentoring relationships for women in the legal profession.

Which organization offers the program? The program is run by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch (CBABC).

Who is eligible to be a mentee? Mentees in this program are women lawyers, articling students or women who have started or completed the NCA process and are members of the CBA and of the Women Leadership Forum.

Who is eligible to be a mentor? Mentors may be practicing, non-practicing or retired members of the LSBC. While there is no required number of years of call, it is suggested that women lawyers with at least six years of practice apply to be mentors.

What is the cost? Annual CBABC membership fees vary depending on one’s status and are updated on a yearly basis. Individuals interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee are encouraged to visit the CBABC website to learn more about CBA membership fees and benefits. The cost of membership varies from being free for law students at BC law schools to $754/year for full-time experienced practicing lawyers.  

What is the expected time commitment? Mentors and mentees are expected to connect in person or via email at least once a month, usually for a period of one year unless the parties chose to end it sooner. The program starts in October and ends in September of the following year. The Mentoring Committee organizes several events throughout the year for the benefit of the matched pairs, offering a chance for pairs to not only meet with each other but also meet with and learn from other matched pairs.  

When is my application due?  This program runs on an annual basis. Enrolment generally opens in August. Please visit the Women Lawyers Mentorship Program for more information.

How do I submit my application? Please visit the Women Lawyers Mentorship Program on the CBABC website for information about when and how to submit your application.