How To Mentor Young Professionals
- Kyla Denanyoh
- Mar 14, 2024
- 3 min read

Michael Alder, a seasoned lawyer and mentor, shares his journey of personal growth and giving back in this episode. From navigating relationships to writing books on life skills for middle schoolers, his experiences during COVID-19 have shaped his perspective on mentorship and philanthropy. Join us as we delve into Michael’s unique approach to helping others and making a difference in the community.
About This Episode
Background
Michael Alder has had a diverse and eventful life, as he mentions in the podcast episode. He has been married multiple times, had children, established a successful practice, and even pivoted his focus to giving back to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael’s experiences have shaped his perspective on life and the importance of giving back.
"You treat others as you would like to be treated" shares Michael Alder on You Are A Lawyer.
In addition to his personal experiences, Michael has also dedicated his time to mentoring young and less experienced individuals in the legal profession. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing discomfort as a means of growth and learning. Michael’s commitment to helping others and sharing his knowledge is evident in his work with young lawyers and his efforts to ensure that donations are used effectively. As he navigates through different aspects of his life, Michael’s dedication to giving back and supporting others shines through.
Why Law School
Michael chose to attend law school because of the influence of his wife and his desire to establish himself professionally. In the episode, he mentions how his wife pushed him to pursue a career in law. This encouragement, coupled with his own determination to succeed, led Michael to establish his practice and eventually become a lawyer. Additionally, Michael's belief in giving back to the community and helping others, as seen through his involvement in charitable activities, likely played a role in his decision to pursue a career in law where he could make a positive impact.
"Stepping outside that comfort zone really is the name of the game in building relationships," reflects Michael Alder on Episode 129 of You Are a Lawyer.
Michael's dedication to mentoring younger lawyers and his emphasis on the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone suggest that he values personal growth and development. This mindset of continuous learning and pushing boundaries aligns with his choice to attend law school, where he could challenge himself intellectually and professionally while also making a difference in the lives of others through his legal expertise.
What Can You Do with a Law Degree
A law degree can open up various opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. Michael mentioned mentoring young lawyers and emphasized the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone in the legal profession. He highlighted the value of networking, soft skills, and the ability to adapt to different situations. Michael's experience showcases that a law degree can lead to roles in mentorship, advocacy, and community service, where legal knowledge and skills are applied in diverse ways.
A law degree equips individuals with the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate different professional settings. Beyond practicing law in a traditional sense, a law degree can pave the way for roles in mentorship, advocacy, and community service, where legal expertise is utilized to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. Michael's journey exemplifies the versatility of a law degree and the potential to create meaningful change beyond the courtroom.
Lawyer Side Hustles
Ranching and mentoring are two key aspects of Michael Alder's life that have shaped his values and actions. In the interview, Michael discusses how his wife encouraged him to give back to the community, leading to their involvement in providing food to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. This act of generosity reflects Michael’s belief in treating others as you would like to be treated, a principle that guides his ranching and mentoring endeavors.
“It's just kind of the way we live and it's a good way to live,” shares Michael Alder in Episode 129 of You Are a Lawyer
Michael’s commitment to mentoring young individuals, particularly in the legal profession, showcases his dedication to passing on knowledge and skills to the next generation. Through his experience as a lawyer and his involvement in various charitable initiatives, Michael emphasizes the significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone to facilitate growth and learning. He encourages less experienced individuals to embrace discomfort as a means of personal and professional development, underscoring the value of mentorship in guiding others towards success.
About Michael Alder
Michael Alder is licensed to practice law in the state of California.
Learn more about Michael: Alder Law








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