In-House Tip: Find a Mentor or Sponsor

• 19 Jun 25

"A mentor helps you climb; a sponsor helps you soar." – Matthew Glynn (Managing Director, GLS Group)

Do you have someone guiding and advocating for your in-house career growth?

Show me one truly successful person who does not speak of the contributions they received from their mentor and/or sponsor. Success leaves clues.

Here’s why finding a mentor or sponsor is essential:

◼️ Guidance and Advice: Learn from someone who’s walked your path.

◼️ Career Advocacy: Sponsors open doors and promote your achievements.

◼️ Skill Development: Gain insights into improving your legal and business acumen.

◼️ Networking Boost: Mentors introduce you to valuable contacts.

◼️ Confidence Building: Encouragement from a mentor enhances self-belief.

◼️ Strategic Perspective: Understand the bigger picture in legal and business decisions.

◼️ Accountability: Mentors help keep you on track with your career goals.

◼️ Challenge and Growth: They push you beyond your comfort zone.

◼️ Legacy Learning: Absorb the wisdom and experiences of seasoned professionals.

◼️ Career Longevity: Continuous support ensures sustained growth and success.

Conclusion

There can be some very real downsides if you are not finding a mentor or sponsor:

◼️ Slower career progression due to lack of guidance.

◼️ Missed opportunities that sponsors could have provided.

◼️ Limited perspective on career and business challenges.

◼️ Reduced confidence in navigating career hurdles.

◼️ Fewer networking opportunities and industry connections.

Remember: The best in-house lawyers don’t climb alone—they rise with guidance and support.

Ask yourself – who in your organisation do you respect – and go and ask them for their support. You can look beyond your own organisation as well.

For more in-house career tips – please visit the GLS Legal Operations Community – Knowledge Centre. A few example career development resources are set out on the right.

Ready To Transform Your Legal Team?

Please check out the GLS solutions and know-how resources listed on the right side of this page – they might assist your legal team with the issues explored in this Blog.