Page 35 - 2018 October Bar Journal

expertise. When you’re sick, or life events frightening to offer
happen, who can best support you? Who an opinion and tell
will pick up where you left off? Mentors someone the truth
leave a legacy, and they do that by training they need to hear.
their successors. Those who are touched by That’s where a true
a remarkable mentor live on and embody champion is needed
future generations of attorneys who pass on for attorneys. That
their knowledge and wisdom. Those who truth is required. I’m
make their mark by imprinting on others not talking about
never cease to create inspiration. something simple
like a trivial mistake;
Female empowerment human error is a part
Mentorship is particularly important for of the legal process
women. In modern day, there is an exceptional and a part of being
standard of expectation for females. Not only human. But watching
are you managing your household, while another go down a
breaking glass ceilings in the workforce, but path of mistakes is a
you may have loved one(s) to care for after totally different story.
the day is complete. None of that includes the Champions speak up
small amount of time you may have to spend and speak wisely.
on yourself. How beneficial would it be to Be the person you
have someone who could give you advice on wished you had in
how to manage a healthy work/life balance? your corner early in your career. When you attorney is not only charged with seeking
Give you tricks of their trade to make it look happen to be on the receiving end of those out another that they can relate to and help
easy? Have a Tide wipe in their pocket when practical narratives, be receptive, be open to advocate for better practice and lifestyle
you missed the oatmeal or spilled milk on guidance. It may sting at first, but there can changes, but each must remain open to
your suit jacket? By championing for other be a lesson in those words. another reaching out to them with guidance.
women, we can grow the number of females The law itself is a constantly mobile and ever-
in leadership positions. We can provide a A champion’s path changing concept, regularly bringing to life
support network for working mamas. By Oprah Winfrey has said “where there is no new ideas, growth and discussion. We should
using encouragement of one another, in place struggle, there is no strength.” Great champions aim to be like the law, evolving as attorneys,
of guardedness, we as professional women have gone through struggles in their life. Not and as people, along with assisting others in
can all rise. only struggles but failures. Some have failed that journey. Not a single attorney has all the
on an extremely large scale. The difference answers, and every attorney is continually in
Replacing “mentor” with “champion” between champions and the rest of the world, need of developing their own kind of personal
The term Mentorship has a formal, archaic is that champions have transformed and growth. It is our duty to each other to reach
feel to it, especially when a relationship grown through those struggles and failures, out, or rather, seek out another and pull them
like that is rarely formal in nature. In fact, and in their own way, succeeded. Because, up. Be someone’s champion.
even “role model” sounds too much like a behind every failure is an opportunity for
“grown up” term. What young people, young growth. Those champions who have gone
attorneys in particular, need today, may not through their own battles to obtain growth can For the past 10 years, Kira Kittoe-
fit the traditional mold of mentor, but that coach others, leading them to obtain growth Krivosh has dedicated her life to
of a champion. Young attorneys must seek as well. I guarantee that the individuals who public service and nonprofit work.
out and be receptive to champions. Young have fallen the hardest, and gotten back up She joined the Cuyahoga County
attorneys need someone to champion for repeatedly, have the best lessons to pass on to Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant
them when they do the wrong thing, to those who will listen. Prosecuting Attorney in 2013, where she manages
steer them in the right direction. They need You see, being a champion doesn’t mean the Bankruptcy Workgroup. In the past she has
someone to champion their successes, to helping another attorney to avoid their worked for the City of Canton Law Department,
advocate on their behalf and to promote struggles, it’s offering support to ease City of Garfield Heights Law Department and
their best interests. Most importantly young them through it. It’s a hand being offered the Stark County Family Court. She is currently
attorneys need someone to champion the during dark times. A calm voice during the Board Vice President for the Citizen’s
strengths others see in them, that they may the turbulent times. A kind ear during Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter,
not see in themselves. overwhelming times. the Board of Directors – Strategic Transformation
Director for the Junior League of Cleveland and
Being receptive to a champion Our duty to champion one another she volunteers, along with her family, with other
It can be hard to hear constructive criticism, The reputational future of the legal profession nonprofit organizations. She joined the CMBA
let alone to give it. In our profession, it can be depends on champions. That means each in 2017. She can be reached at (330) 268-9111.
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