Meet Our mentors

The Mustang Exchange has a broad and deep network of alumni and friends who serve as mentors.  While all mentors have law degrees, the paths they have taken after law school vary exponentially.  From hiring partners at big law firms to executive directors of very worthy nonprofits, Mustang Exchange mentors show students that a law degree is the first step to hundreds of different but successful careers.  

Mentors come from a broad range of practice areas, including:
 
Appellate • Bankruptcy  • Civil Litigation 
Corporate • Entertainment and Sports • Energy  
Family • Healthcare • Immigration  
Intellectual Property • Labor and Employment 
Nonprofit • Real Estate • Tax

Mentors have experience in several different types of organizations, including: 
  • Law Firms 
  • Fortune 500 Companies
  • State and Federal Courts 
  • Nonprofits 
  • Government
     

More about mentoring

  • What happens at a mentor meeting?  Most meetings are informational talks, where a mentor and student share thoughts on law school and career experiences.  Students may request other types of meetings with mentors, such as résumé review and mock interviewing.  One of the most exciting opportunities for students through the Mustang Exchange is when mentors include them on job shadowing experiences, such as hearings or closings.  
  • What is the time commitment for a mentor?  The great news for busy lawyers is that mentors may participate as often or as little as their schedules permit.  Even one hour per year is valuable to our students.  A calendar feature allows mentors to adjust their meeting availability.
  • I don't have a traditional law practice. Can I still be of help to students?  Yes. Because law degrees open so many different doors, many students enjoy exploring all types of career paths a lawyer can take.
  • I don't live in Dallas. Can I still mentor?  Yes. Mentor meetings can take place over the phone or skype, in addition to in-person meetings.  Mentor connections across the country and even across the globe can be a huge resource for students.  

Become a Mentor!

Serve as a mentor in the Mustang Exchange.   

Apply Now

from our mentors...

"Having worked with SMU law students for many years, I have seen first-hand how quality mentoring turns uncertain students into confident lawyers. The Mustang Exchange is an instrumental tool in the development of not only a student's professional network, but also a student's personal growth." - Hon. Barbara Lynn '76, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas"Having worked with SMU law students for many years, I have seen first-hand how quality mentoring turns uncertain students into confident lawyers.  The Mustang Exchange is an instrumental tool in the development of not only a student's professional network, but also a student's personal growth."  
- Chief Judge Barbara Lynn '76, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas

 


"Figuring out how to successfully navigate the 'ins and outs' of law school is a major challenge that every law student grapples with, starting day one. That is why the Mustang Exchange mentorship program is a major plus for SMU law students. Having a Dedman Law School alum available to give students important tips and guidance about law school and the legal profession will make all the difference in a law student's pursuit of a rewarding legal career." - Michael Boone '67, Co-Founder and Partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP"Figuring out how to successfully navigate the 'ins and outs' of law school is a major challenge that every law student grapples with, starting day one.  That is why the Mustang Exchange mentorship program is a major plus for SMU law students.  Having a Dedman Law School alum available to give students important tips and guidance about law school and the legal profession will make all the difference in a law student's pursuit of a rewarding legal career."
- Michael Boone '67, Co-Founder and Partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP