Being a Mentor and a Mentee: Every Interaction Makes a Difference

We’re thrilled to have retired Maryland judge, and current mediator, Zuberi Williams, affectionately known as “Judge Zu,” with us to share his involvement with the ABA Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) as well as insights into how every facet of a lawyer’s life impacts lives and shapes careers. JIOP places 1L and 2L students with experienced judges, exposing students from underrepresented communities to the judicial system, gaining direct exposure to the judicial decision-making process. Williams himself is an alum of the program. Williams explores how his observations from the bench provided insights into how real people make decisions and come to agreements. There’s a process, and sometimes when left to find their own way, parties in a dispute find they can understand each position and reach a settlement. It’s about helping them “enlarge their view.” Disputes, Williams says, are about more than the law, they’re about people. Enjoy a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation as Williams tells host Mic Rogson how his experience as an intern led him to become a mentor for future lawyers and judges and the duty we all have to both learn from others and share that knowledge. This is an inspiring episode that may leave you looking for ways to give back and develop the next generation of legal leaders. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at [email protected] or [email protected].   Resources Mentioned:   ABA Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) “Succession,” trailer, YouTube “Silo,” trailer, YouTube “Landman,” trailer, YouTube “Lanterns,” trailer, YouTube “Des,” trailer, YouTube “AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies — 10th Anniversary Edition,” American Film Institute American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section