Mentorship Program

The National Capital Area Paralegal Association (“NCAPA”) recognizes the value of mentoring as an instrument of organizational learning. The Mentorship Program, which was launched in 2014 by Pascalle Goddard (former NCAPA Director) and Christine Villarreal (former NCAPA Director), is an integral part of NCAPA's culture to help new members and new legal professionals realize their potential and achieve their goals. Additionally, it is intended to help participants develop personally and professionally and enhance their professional relationships. This program will match experienced paralegals and legal professionals (“mentors”) with entry-level or paralegal student members (“mentees”) from a variety of legal areas and expertise.

This program has the potential to broaden skills, experience, and expertise throughout NCAPA. The Mentorship Program will provide mentors an opportunity to share their knowledge, provide guidance and offer advice to new members and new paralegals, and legal professionals. The program will help strengthen the skills of seasoned NCAPA members and enhance the professional and career skills of paralegals and legal professionals who are starting their paralegal career or joining NCAPA. Mentors will help mentees learn how to navigate various situations, enhance their developmental skills, and avoid some pitfalls that could potentially sidetrack a career or delay promotion opportunities.

Mentorship Program 2021 Upcoming Events:

• April 30, 2021 - Mentor/Mentee Applications Deadline;
• May 14, 2021 - Mentor/Mentee Matched Email Notifications will be sent out; 
  
• May 20, 2021 - NCAPA Mentorship Program Kick-Off Event. 

If you are interested in serving as mentor or mentee, please apply by using the application forms linked below and submit via e-mail to the Mentorship Committee at [email protected] with any questions.

Mentorship Program Handbook
Mentor Application
Mentee Application
Mentorship Action Plan
Mentorship Program FAQs

Eligibility Requirements:

To participate in the program, you must be a current and active member of NCAPA. Mentors must have at least five years of experience as a paralegal or legal professional.

• Participation in the Mentorship Program is voluntary.

Program Guidelines:

• All information discussed during mentorship sessions must remain confidential; 
• Both the mentor and mentee must participate in the process; 
• Must make a six-month commitment to the program; 
• Mentors and mentees must attend one training session during the six-month program commitment hosted by the Mentorship Committee; and 
• Participants must meet for at least one hour per month during the six-month program commitment. 

Contact: Mentorship Committee ([email protected])