Faculty Mentor
My faculty mentor for Junior level ELA was Dr. Chad Litton, however he has always been there to give me advice and talk through things since I was a freshman. Dr. Litton and I focused a great deal of time on the importance of time management and self-reflection. This fit well into our ELA lesson on self-reflection, and taught me that I am not able to do everything I would like to. Meetings with Dr. Litton allowed me to get ideas about my future career into the open and have someone give me guidance for the next steps. We also discussed the next steps in applying for law school. Having a faculty member like Dr. Litton, who I know I can go to even after this mentorship is over is a critical part of my future success.
Professional Mentor
My professional mentor was Erica Shively, a well known attorney in the Bismarck - Mandan area, who practices Family and Criminal Law. She welcomed me with open arms and gave me every opportunity possible for me to observe and learn. I am extremely grateful for her willingness to include me on many things happening at the office and always making time to answer my questions. I participated in more than four activities with my mentor, but below I have described the four most meaningful to me. This mentorship has also brought me a job with Erica's office through the relationship we built over the school year. I now not only have a great mentor, but I also have another opportunity to learn from Erica while helping her office as well.
Divorce Trial
I was able to sit in on one of Erica's two-day divorce trials at the end of February. After the trial was over we sat down and discussed what went into prepping the trial and Erica answered all of my questions I had about the case. This was extremely beneficial for my future career.
Adoption Hearing
I was also able to sit in on an adoption hearing, which is pretty unique because they are not open to the public. This hearing was exciting since it showed a happier side to family law rather than divorce. This informal hearing also allowed me to ask the judge questions about family law and his position after the hearing.
Leading Ladies Luncheon
Erica, the rest of her staff, and I attended a luncheon that had a theme of "visionary women". This was a cool opportunity to hear influential women in the community speak about the challenges they have encountered. There were six women on the panel who were sharing their stories, but I also got to hear Erica and Betsy's stories as well. This was an empowering experience to be a part of.
Deposition
I got the opportunity to sit in on a deposition which doesn't happen often in family law. This was an interesting experience as it was intense having the opposing parties sitting feet away from each other. It was interesting to hear the questions asked and how the framing of the questions can have very different meanings.