DRI Diversity Professional & Business Development Mentoring Program

About the Mentorship

The Diversity Professional and Business Development Mentoring Program was developed by the DRI Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the DRI Corporate Counsel Committee. The Mentoring Program is designed for high-potential, early-career civil defense attorneys who are members of DRI and are from historically underrepresented groups. The goal of this program is to provide mentees with practical tools for developing and leveraging relationship-building skills applicable to law firm practice. Selected participants will be paired with a senior-level attorney from the DRI Diversity & Inclusion Committee and with an in-house counsel.

Mentees must have fewer than 10 years of civil defense experience, be a DRI member, be a full-time attorney, and be a member of at least one of the following traditionally underrepresented groups:

  • African American/Black
  • Hispanic/Latino
  • Asian-American/Pacific Islander
  • Native American/Indigenous People
  • LGBTQ+
  • Multi-Racial
  • Disabled
  • Women

What do I Need to Submit?

A Completed Application Form

Each applicant must complete the application form in order to apply for the mentorship.

Fill Out the Application Form (PDF)

Two Recommendations

Applications must include two (2) letters of recommendation, one each from the following categories*:

  • A current or past employer; and
  • An individual who is personally acquainted with the applicant, but who is not related by bloodline, marriage, or adoption.

*Letters of recommendation may be submitted directly by the applicant or submitted directly by the recommending party at the e-mail or address provided herein.

A Cover Letter and Resume

Each applicant must include a cover letter and a current resume. In the cover letter, each applicant should identify the applicant’s practice areas/industries and professional accomplishments. The cover letter should also detail how the applicant’s professional accomplishments qualify the applicant for the Mentoring Program.

Submission Information and Deadline

The application can be submitted either in PDF format via e-mail or in hard copy format via USPS/UPS/Federal Express. The application packet submitted should include all required information, including completed application form, letters of recommendation, cover letter, and resume.

The completed application packet should be emailed or mailed to:

Denise Eichhorn
DRI—Director, Committees
222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1870
Chicago, IL 60606
deichhorn@dri.org

Applications and all other requested materials must be received on or before August 11, 2023.

LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Selection Process

The DRI Diversity & Inclusion Committee Executive Board, in concert with the DRI Corporate Counsel Committee, will appoint a Section Committee to oversee the process by which applicants are selected. This program will focus on cultivating and identifying lawyers with leadership potential.

In 2023, 10 mentorship placements will be awarded to applicants who best meet the following criteria:

  • Professional accomplishments
  • Service to the community
  • Demonstrated involvement in DRI
  • Service to the cause of diversity

Persons accepted into the Mentorship Program will be officially announced no later than September 6, 2023.

The term of the program will be September 1, 2023—August 31, 2024.