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CCCA_V6No1_Spotlight-FIN_CCCA_V1No1_Profile-FIN.qxd 2/13/12 11:11 PM Page 47 Spotlight on mentoring audit,tax and advisory firm —“having the “He told me there’s a reason the word “given me a broader perspective of my chance to talk, on an ongoing basis with an ‘counsel’ is in our name. Clients look to overall career.” in-house lawyer who is more senior and corporate counsel for far more than ‘just also, works in a large international organi- tell me the law.’They look to us for our zation, is really helpful,” says Smith. take on matters that require business acu- PROFILE 2 On the flipside, the mentor also stands to men and legal knowledge.” benefit. “Being a mentor is a pretty easy Another example of practical advice Two-way learning way to lend a hand within the in-house O’Brien has imparted to Smith concerns In Spring 2011, Jesse Long attended the legal community,” says O’Brien. “Of all the the value of getting involved in the firm’s CCCA National Spring Conference in ways that you can help others, this is the community and charitable endeavours as Toronto. A first time in-house lawyer, he lowest cost you can think of; only a little bit well as the legal community as a whole had moved in-house at WPD Canada of time and imparting of some knowledge.” through CCCA, OBA or CBA commit- Corp.,a wind energy company a scant five tees. “[This will] give you more credibility months previously and was looking to Practical advice within your organization,” explains Smith. connect with like-minded lawyers. “David has been able to give me a lot Smith, who has never been part of a Long speaks highly of the conference, of intrinsic tips in knowing how to mentoring program before, says that describing it as“an incredible experience for move from being viewed as just a legal re- oftentimes,“it’s easy to get focused inter- its broad spectrum update and the chance to source to more of an actual counsel role,” nally and on your everyday deliverables.” network with in-house lawyers from many says Smith. But being paired with O’Brien has sectors and geographical locations.” Mentee Jesse Long, WPD Canada Corp., Toronto (left); Mentor Michelle Moldofsky, interim general counsel, St. Michael’s ALENA GEDEONOVA Hospital, Toronto (right). PRINTEMPS 2012 CCCA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association 47