F E A T U R E A R T I C L E A m a n d a M. U l i a n o – H C B A P r e s i d e n t & A l e x a M. C l i n e – Y L D P r e s i d e n t
reconnectingacrossGenerations: introducingtheYLd mentor-fellowProgram
by: Amanda M. Uliano – HCBA President & Alexa M. Cline – YLD President
Some of the most valuable lessons in a legal career are not found in a casebook or learned during a CLE. They come from a trusted colleague who has faced a similar challenge, made a difficult decision, or simply known the right question to ask. That kind of guidance can shape a career— and the relationship behind it can strengthen our entire legal community.
This fall, the Hillsborough County Bar Association and HCBA Young Lawyers Division are launching the YLD Mentor-Fellow Program, a structured eight-month
At A Glance
Program: HCBA yLd Mentor-Fellow Program dates: October 2026 – May 2027( eight months)
who can be a fellow: yLd members— HCBA members under 36 or in their first five years of practice
who can be a mentor: Any attorney with a few years of experience and a willingness to share it
Commitment: One meeting per month, plus a kickoff event and closing reception
Materials: Full program packet with monthly discussion guides provided— no mentor prep required
Apply by: september 25, 2026 Apply at: www. hillsbar. com
Questions: yLd Mentor-Fellow Program Co-Chairs Hillary thornton( hthornton @ mcintyrefirm. com) and valeria Obi( vobi @ cocacolaflorida. com)
experience designed to connect experienced practitioners with motivated young lawyers. Running from October 2026 through May 2027, the program will create space for candid conversation, meaningful professional development, and relationships that we hope will continue long after the formal program ends.
Each mentor-fellow pair will meet at least once a month, in person or virtually, with the fellow taking the lead on scheduling. Every participant receives a complete program packet— discussion guides, practical assignments, and suggested activities— so pairs will have structure without losing the flexibility to focus on the fellow’ s individual goals. No preparation is required of mentors beyond showing up and sharing what they know. Monthly topics include goal-setting and leadership, effective communication, community involvement and pro bono service, networking and professional relationships, and negotiation and advocacy. The experience culminates with each fellow developing a personalized three-year strategic career plan.
The program is not limited to one-on-one conversations. Pairs will gather as a group several times over the year, beginning with a kickoff event and concluding with an end-of-year reception. Participants are also encouraged to attend HCBA, YLD, section, and committee events together throughout the year.
The program is intentionally broad. It is open to lawyers across every practice setting, including large firms, solo and small firms, government agencies, in-house legal departments, public-interest organizations, and the judiciary. Fellows must be YLD members— HCBA members who are under 36 or within their first five years of practice— but beyond that, a fellow may be newly admitted, several years into practice, moving to a new firm or agency, changing practice areas, or simply ready to be more intentional about the next stage of a career. Likewise, a mentor does not need to be a managing
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