By Iniobong Irene Pepple, Esq., AICMC, McArb
I have always believed that helping one person may not change the entire world, but it can change that person’s world forever.
Long before I was appointed to serve as a mentor on the NBA–Young Lawyers Forum Mentorship Committee, I was already walking in the path of mentorship. Over the years, I have privately mentored lawyers, guiding them through the early hurdles of practice, helping them find clarity, and sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way. In many ways, I see myself not just as a mentor but as a lawyer’s coach: someone committed to empowering lawyers to reach their full potential with confidence and purpose.
This passion for mentorship is about people not just about titles or positions. I’ve seen firsthand how one conversation, one piece of advice, or one shared opportunity can become the turning point in someone’s career. Recently, two of my mentees from the Young Lawyers Forum landed remote jobs from opportunities I shared in our mentorship group. That moment was more than a “success story.” It was a reminder of why I do what I do. Their wins felt like my wins. Their joy became my joy. 1st of October was such a great day as I received those testimonials.
Mentorship and coaching go hand in hand for me. Mentorship provides guidance, wisdom, and access to opportunities. Coaching challenges individuals to build confidence and maximize their unique strengths. When combined, they create a powerful pathway for lawyers, whether they are just starting out or trying to regain momentum after a pause.
This is one of the reasons I started the Back to Law Initiative. It represents my commitment to helping female lawyers who took a break in practice find the courage, confidence, and tools to return stronger. It is a safe space for growth, accountability, and rediscovery. Through mentorship, coaching, and sharing opportunities, we create impact, one lawyer at a time.
But beyond my personal journey, I believe we must make mentorship a culture within the legal profession. Senior lawyers must continue to take up the responsibility of mentoring younger ones. The wisdom you carry, the networks you’ve built, and the lessons you’ve learned are seeds that can grow the next generation of great lawyers if only you are willing to share them.
And to the young lawyers, I say this: don’t wait for mentorship to come to you. Look out for coaches, seek guidance intentionally, and be willing to learn. Having someone in your corner to guide, challenge, and encourage you can make all the difference. Mentorship is strength, not a weakness, and it could be the bridge to the opportunities you’ve been searching for.
When we help others grow, we don’t just change their lives. We change their families, their communities, and, ultimately, the legal profession itself. This ripple effect is the true power of mentorship and coaching.
As I continue to serve as mentor with the NBA–YLF Mentorship Committee, my commitment remains the same: to help one lawyer at a time. Because even though I can not change the entire world, I can change the world for someone.
