LGBTQ+ Law Section Mentoring Program
2026 Application Cycle**
A collaboration between the NYSBA LGBTQ+ Law Section and the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL)
About the Program
The LGBTQ+ Mentoring Program is a joint initiative of the New York State Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ Law Section and the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL). Designed to support the professional growth of LGBTQ+ law students, emerging attorneys, and early-career practitioners, the program fosters meaningful, sustained mentorship relationships within our legal community.
Through thoughtful mentor-mentee matching, structured guidance, and ongoing engagement opportunities, the program aims to:
- Cultivate supportive professional relationships within the LGBTQ+ legal community
- Provide career development, networking, and leadership opportunities
- Strengthen pathways for LGBTQ+ attorneys across practice areas
- Increase visibility, inclusion, and community-building between NYSBA and LeGaL members
Whether you are seeking mentorship or looking to give back as a mentor, this program offers a structured and rewarding way to build connections and uplift the next generation of LGBTQ+ legal professionals.
Program Structure
The 2026 mentoring cycle runs from January 2026 through June 2026 and includes:
Meetings
Mentors and mentees are expected to meet for at least 30 minutes quarterly, either virtually or in person, but participants may meet more frequently if they so wish. Meetings can focus on career guidance, skill development, practice insights, or other professional goals identified by the mentee.
Virtual Kickoff Reception
Participants will be invited to a virtual kickoff event in early 2026, where mentor-mentee pairs will be introduced, review expectations, and begin planning their goals for the cycle.
In-Person Networking Reception
Participants will be invited to an in-person networking reception in NYC in Spring 2026, where mentors and mentees can meet in person, connect with other participants and network with other bar association members.
NYSBA and LeGaL Events
Participants are encouraged to attend LGBTQ+ Law Section and LeGaL programming throughout the year, including networking events and the NYSBA Annual Meeting in January 2026.
Check-In & Evaluation
The program includes a brief mid-year check-in and a final evaluation to help measure the program’s impact and identify areas for improvement for future cycles.
Who Should Apply?
Mentees
Law students, recent graduates, and attorneys in their first 1–5 years of practice who are seeking professional guidance, networking, and community support.
Mentors
Experienced attorneys willing to share insight, support the next generation of LGBTQ+ lawyers, and commit to consistent engagement throughout the program cycle.
Both mentors and mentees must be members of either NYSBA, LeGaL, or both.
How Matching Works
Applicants are matched based on:
- Practice area or career interests
- Professional goals identified by mentees
- Mentor experience and strengths
- Preferences regarding communication and meeting format
- Optional demographic or background considerations shared by participants
Every effort is made to create meaningful, compatible pairings that support individual and professional development.
How to Participate
Applications for both mentors and mentees will open shortly.
Interested participants will complete a brief survey that helps us determine fit, goals, and preferences for the upcoming cycle.
Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YP93BTK
Commitment Expectations
Participants agree to:
- Meet quarterly for the duration of the cycle
- Make their best efforts to coordinate with their mentor/mentee and attend the virtual kickoff event or the in-person networking event to be held in NYC together
- Communicate proactively about scheduling
- Maintain professionalism and confidentiality
- Participate in mid-year and final surveys
Questions?
For additional information, please contact:
NYSBA LGBTQ+ Law Section Mentoring Program
Email: Eric J. Wursthorn, ejwursthorn@gmail.com | Ernesto Guerrero, eguerrero@nysba.org