Mentorship Committee Hosts Successful “Speed Counsel” Event at Elon Law
On January 22, 2025, the Mentorship Committee, in association with the Membership Committee and Young Lawyers Division of our local bar association hosted a “Speed Counsel” networking event at Elon University School of Law. The program brought together a diverse group of attendees, including experienced practitioners, newly licensed attorneys, and law students, for an evening of informal discussion, practical insight, and meaningful professional connection.
The event was designed to be innovative and accessible. Rather than relying on a traditional panel format, the “Speed Counsel” structure allowed participants to rotate through a series of short, focused conversations with practicing attorneys. This format created a relaxed atmosphere and encouraged candid dialogue. It also ensured that each attendee had the opportunity to meet and speak with multiple lawyers from different practice areas and levels of experience.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from our newly retired Chief District Court Judge Michelle Fletcher, who also moderated an informal discussion on the importance of civility in the practice of law and the vital role mentorship plays in shaping successful legal careers. Her opening remarks struck the perfect tone—approachable, thoughtful, and engaging. What began as a brief introduction quickly evolved into a lively, collective conversation, with attendees eager to share experiences and perspectives. The discussion generated so much participation that it ultimately had to be brought to a close, so the program could transition to the speed-counseling portion of the evening.
Once the rotations began, the energy in the room remained high. Law students and new attorneys were able to ask practical questions about career paths, professional development, and day-to-day practice. More seasoned attorneys offered candid advice, shared personal stories, and reinforced the value of professionalism, preparation, and strong professional relationships. The rotations concluded with a powerful final round in which the more experienced attorneys each shared one of their most important pieces of advice. This closing segment provided a memorable and practical takeaway for everyone in attendance.
To enhance the atmosphere, an assortment of beverages and snack options was provided throughout the evening, encouraging participants to relax, mingle, and engage in natural conversation. The environment proved so welcoming and productive that many attendees remained well after the program officially ended, continuing discussions and networking organically.
The program was fun, entertaining, and highly engaging. More importantly, it allowed all participants to recognize that we are part of a shared local legal community—one that cares about the success and well-being of its members. As poet Maya Angelou so eloquently expressed, we are often “more alike than we are unalike,” a sentiment that was clearly reflected in the spirit of the evening.
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants noted that the informal structure made the conversations feel more genuine and less intimidating, while the rotating format allowed them to maximize their time and exposure to different perspectives within the profession.
Events like this reflect the core mission of the Mentorship Committee and the Greensboro Bar Association: to foster meaningful connections across generations of the bar, promote civility and professionalism, and create opportunities for guidance and growth. We are grateful to Elon Law for hosting the program, to Judge Fletcher for her thoughtful and engaging opening discussion, and to all the attorneys and students who participated.
We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum with future mentorship initiatives throughout the year.
Jeffrey. T. Jones, Esq.
Misha Carter, Esq.
Co-Chairs of the Mentorship Committee
