American Lawyer's Legal Speak Podcast Discusses Mentoring With Susan Light

Partner and Broker-Dealer Regulation Co-Chair Susan Light appeared on an episode of American Lawyer's Legal Speak, discussing the importance of mentorship in the legal profession. Sue was recently honored with Katten's 2024 John P. Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Award for her commitment throughout her career to mentoring younger attorneys. Sue shared her journey from the New York Stock Exchange Group to Katten. She discussed the challenges facing young attorneys, the importance of one-on-one mentoring and her involvement in diversity initiatives. She also reflects on the personal satisfaction and impact of mentoring, and how it aligns with her upbringing of helping others.

Sue noted that mentoring is about more than career advice. "These are generally people starting out their legal career and some of them, it's their very first job they've had. And so they often have questions about work-life balance, or life in the big city, or being a professional, or how do you get ahead? How do you how do you deal with people that are difficult to deal with, whether it's clients or vendors or colleagues or whatever? I think the issues on the mentoring front have basically stayed the same because they're interpersonal issues."

She also added how mentoring is very satisfying. "I come away feeling quite satisfied and joyful that I was able to make a difference in this person's life. I want to give a shout-out to my mom and dad, figurative shout-outs because they're no longer with us. It's really paying it forward because they instilled in my sister, brother and me a real value and embracing of helping others and doing well for the community and making sure that you can share your good fortune."

"Katten's Sue Light on Close to 30 Years of Mentoring Attorneys," Legal Speak, December 20, 2024