Chicago Recognizes Its 2017 Mentors of the Year

The Chicago office celebrated another large class of “Mentor of the Year” award nominees during a luncheon reception on December 21. Fifteen of our Chicago associates nominated their mentors for the 2017 awards, punctuating the strength of the firm’s mentoring program.

Winston established its formal mentoring program in service of two goals: 1) to create connections and facilitate information sharing between experienced and more junior attorneys; and 2) to ensure that associates and practice attorneys have access to a more senior attorney’s advice and guidance as they chart their path to success at the firm.

We are pleased to announce that Partner Oscar David, who was named the 2016 Chicago “Mentor of the Year,” was the runner-up for this year’s awards. The following Chicago attorneys received honorable mentions for the 2017 “Mentor of the Year” awards: 

• Associate Don Goff, nominated by Associate mentee Nick Pesavento
• Partner Sam Lerner, nominated by Associate mentee Jennifer James
• Partner Nicole Wrigley, nominated by Associate mentee Katie Clausing

Chicago Office Mentoring Partner Karen Weber presented the awards, which recognize mentors who have gone above and beyond to help enhance a young attorney’s career development, integration, and experience. The Hon. Jorge Alonso, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois and Commissioner of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, attended this event and is pictured below with the honorees.

   
Top row left to right: Idara Udofia, Nikki Bhargava (former attorney), Brian Brothman (former associate); Bottom row left to right: Jennifer James, Sam Lerner, Nick Pesavento, Don Goff, Katie Clausing, Nicole Wrigley (all are pictured with Hon. Jorge Alonso).

The glowing nominations submitted by our mentees further illustrate our mentors’ dedication to providing access, insight, and practical advice:

“I strongly feel that I have spent time and energy this year steering my career in the direction I want it to go, and [my mentor] had a huge part in that. I will surely be reaping the benefits of [his] mentorship in this area for years to come.”

“She shared her experiences and insights regarding her early associate years and how they impacted her more senior years, which ultimately led to promotion to partner. This insight gave me a unique perspective of the bigger picture and how my work and choices now can impact my ultimate career goals.”

“One of the best things about [my mentor] is that he does not just limit [this role] to himself. He introduced me to other lawyers and former lawyers in the city with whom he is close and they now have helped provide guidance to me as well.”

“It has been immensely helpful to hear from [my mentor] about her experiences as a female attorney, and she has encouraged me to stand up for myself as a young female associate, and likewise be a champion for other women in our profession.”

“She has been there when I needed someone to bounce an idea off of, and she has also showed up when I experienced challenges and did not know exactly who to turn to for advice. I feel lucky to have been paired with such a great mentor, not to mention an amazing person.”