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The Commission on Professionalism is fortunate to have among its members the Hon. Debra B. Walker, Circuit Court of Cook County. Judge Walker’s journey to the bench began as she was growing up on a small farm near Carthage, Illinois where she issued the landmark ruling overturning the case that had established that “some animals are more equal than others.” Judge Walker was elected to the bench in 2008 and currently sits in the Domestic Relations Division where the emotionally-charged nature of the proceedings before her necessitates an approach to courtroom management based on the tenets of professionalism and civility.  As detailed in her bio on the Commission website, she is the recipient of numerous awards and has been active and held leadership positions in a plethora of legal organizations.  Judge Walker has been a vital contributor to this Commission since its inception, and we are delighted to post her reflections on the importance of mentoring:

Hon. Debra Walker

Mentoring has played a major role in my professional life.  As a brand new lawyer, I was privileged to be mentored by a phenomenal male trial attorney at my law firm.  Mark A. Miller was a very smart, articulate, talented trial lawyer.  He won something like eight jury trials in a row in one year.  He was courteous to everyone.  His opponents always liked him.  He worked hard, but he also enjoyed life and many great Chicago restaurants.  When I would approach him with questions for which there were no clear cut answers, he often encouraged me to take a novel approach and to go for my goal with whatever I had.  That has been exceptional advice for me throughout my 21 year legal career and in my first three years on the bench. 

• Karie Valentino is a partner at the Chicago law firm of Anderson Rasor & Partners LLP, a 40 under 40 award winner, and an officer of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.  Ms. Valentino writes, “A mentor is charged with the responsibility of fostering a professional relationship with a mentee to provide instruction and guidance.  However, mentoring is more than just a professional relationship, it is also a personal relationship that provides growth and development.  This relationship is unique because it is dynamic and constantly evolving.  As a young attorney, a woman can face multiple challenges.  A mentor provides the guidance for a mentee to reach her full potential and excel in her field.  The mentee quickly learns that whatever the challenge, it can be overcome.  The mentor imparts the skills the mentee needs to prevail in her particular field and grow, not only as an attorney, but as an individual, a mother, a sister and a friend.”
• Jamie Bracewell practices law in O’Fallon, IL at the Law Offices of Staci M. Yandle and is on the ISBA Board of Governors.  Ms. Bracewell writes:  “Mentoring provides an invaluable experience to other lawyers.  I am truly grateful to the attorneys who took their time to advise me and encourage me to get involved with organizations. The people who have mentored me may never know how many times I replay the words they told me in my head when I am facing a situation.  I think it is important for people to give their time to help others.  The mentors in my life still help me to this day.  I am eternally grateful to them.” 
• Aaron Boeder is a new associate with the Waukegan-based law firm, Salvi Schostok & Pritchard PC.  Mr. Boeder writes:  “My earliest mentor as a young law student was (now Judge) Debra Walker.  I first met Judge Walker when she was still an attorney in private practice.  Judge Walker inspired me with her competence, wisdom, and caring nature.  She taught me the most important career (and life) lesson I learned:  surround yourself with, and learn from, hardworking and ethical people.  Through direct or indirect means, Judge Walker guided me towards every important position I had during school.  At each position, I gained new mentors, such as Chief Judge James Holderman, who reinforced the paramount importance of an attorney’s strong work ethic, impeccable honesty, and high standards for work product.  To this day, I continue to reach out to these great mentors on a regular basis to get guidance on my career and life in general.  The only way I could ever pay it back is to help others in a similar manner, and I strive to do so in the future.” 

Obviously, mentoring matters!  A good mentor can literally save a legal career, many times over.  Given that CLE credit is now available for mentoring programs for both the mentor and the mentee, there is no better time to launch an official mentoring program at your firm, your alma mater, or your bar association.  Find out more here.  Your colleagues and associates will be eternally grateful.

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