ChIPs 20th Anniversary
Real
Mentors, Real Stories
As part of our 20th Anniversary, ChIPs is speaking with mentors and mentees on what makes a mentorship work, how you become a mentor, and where all the mentors are. Check out the Q&As below.
“My mentors didn’t tell me what to do. I pushed the agenda.”
Danielle Williams
Managing Partner, Winston & Strawn
Co-Founder, ChIPs Carolinas
Member since 2011

How do you approach mentoring?
At Winston & Strawn, we have a formal mentorship program I’m proud of and is an essential component of the firm’s professional development strategy. The firm’s partners are supported through Winston’s Leadership Lab Apprenticeship Master Class, a unique course that covers the latest research and best practices for motivating, mentoring and teaching junior associates. All first- through third-year associates receive a mentor and mid-level and senior associates can choose to participate in the program as mentors or mentees. The program helps associates establish valuable connections with more-senior attorneys and gain knowledge, skills and experiences that advance their careers.
Also, our Diversity and Inclusion Associate Sponsorship Program pairs high-performing associates in their fifth or sixth year of practice with a sponsor for one year. Associates who belong to one of our affinity groups, including our Women’s Leadership Initiative, are eligible to apply. Twenty protégés from this program have been elevated to partner and four have been promoted to counsel.
Less formally, anyone in the ChIPs Carolinas Chapter knows I’m a phone call away. I also encourage law students, women and men, who are interested in IP to email me to set up a phone call, answer their questions and point them in the direction of ChIPs. On my teams, I hope everyone knows that when I’m at any office across the country, we can grab a coffee or have lunch or dinner and connect to see what is happening in their lives and careers.
What excites you about being a mentor?
I love mentees’ enthusiasm for the practice of law. I enjoy their excitement; it helps me to be mindful of what’s shiny and sparkly about what I do. Let’s be honest, some days are prettier than others and their enthusiasm gives me a boost. I value their new ideas and how they use technology to do things better, faster and easier.
What lessons did you learn from your own mentors that you carry with you?
I’ve had several mentors, men and women. Some of them didn’t realize they were mentoring me, but I absorbed all they said. One lesson that has stuck with me is to never underestimate the power of an invitation or a suggestion on someone’s decisions about their career. Another is to share how wonderful you view someone and what a great job someone is doing. When someone feels special, they feel they belong and want to participate and contribute.
What should mentees seek in a mentor?
I sought out big thinkers and high-energy people. Big thinkers can see beyond immediate tasks and help mentees understand the bigger picture, so they demonstrate how to set bold goals, think long-term and offer creative approaches to problems. High-energy mentors are passionate and driven, so they’re examples of how to stay focused, push through challenges and maintain a positive attitude even when faced with obstacles. My mentors didn’t tell me what to do. I pushed the agenda. They would help me brainstorm opportunities, but I would create those opportunities for myself.
When looking for a mentor, you may think, “Everyone’s busy. No one has time to mentor me.” But people will make time. The more excited you are to learn and grow, the more excited they will be to mentor you.
What is one piece of advice you’d share with rising associates?
The practice of law is a marathon, not a sprint. There is time to try new things, be part of something bigger, and otherwise maximize all available opportunities Winston has to offer. For me, it’s important to keep innovating.