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To celebrate Stradley Ronon's 100th anniversary, we’re highlighting the power of mentorship. Chairman Emeritus Kevin Boyle and Caroline Gorman, chair of the corporate department — who have been colleagues for more than 20 years — share insights on what makes mentorship matter and how it shapes careers.

How It Began

Their partnership began informally: Caroline’s drive met Kevin’s commitment to developing talent. Starting as a summer secretary in 2005, Caroline quickly advanced, taking on challenging assignments and focusing on corporate work, thanks to Kevin’s support.

Kevin Boyle and Caroline Gorman at Caroline’s bar swearing-in ceremony in 2009.

Caroline: I would sit in for the admins who were on vacation and work for the lawyers on their teams. During my first summer, one of my first assignments was to sit next to Kevin’s admin, where I had a front-row seat to watching Kevin run the corporate department with his characteristic high energy and excitement.

Kevin: I look for people eager to learn and ready to take on more. Caroline’s enthusiasm and interest in law stood out immediately. She was always ready to tackle work beyond her role.

What Makes Mentorship Matter

Kevin: Law school doesn’t teach everything. Mentorship builds trust and helps you learn what’s not in the textbook, including how to handle tough situations and decisions.

Caroline: Sometimes early-career lawyers rely too heavily on the idea of a mentorship program and wait for their mentors to give them assignments or to make things happen for them. That is part of it, but you need to create the career you want for yourself.

“It’s important to have a structure in place for mentorship, but informal mentorship is just as important.”

— Caroline Gorman

On Being a Great Mentor

Kevin: Give real-time feedback. Share your own missteps to create trust and wait until emotions settle before addressing tough issues.

Caroline: Having good energy and a positive attitude is critical. A little humor goes a long way. It’s a demanding career, but having fun makes it a bit easier. People just respond better to that. They want to like who they work with.

“Great mentors don't share the spotlight; they make room in it. You want the spotlight on your people.”

— Kevin Boyle

On Being a Great Mentee

Caroline: Seek feedback and use your mentor as a sounding board. I frequently call Kevin for his opinion, and even if I go in another direction, I value his insights. Growth comes from being open to different perspectives and asking for feedback.

Kevin: Positivity and fearlessness stand out. Caroline’s can-do attitude made it easy to trust her with big projects. Caroline’s attitude has always been, “I’ve got this.” Clients notice that, too.

Standing on Good Shoulders

Caroline was elected vice chair of the corporate department in 2019, served as co-chair from 2021 through 2024 and has served as chair since January 2025, stepping into the role Kevin himself once held. When asked what she took from watching him lead, her answer cuts to something deeper than tactics.

Kevin and Caroline today in Stradley Ronon’s Philadelphia office.

Caroline: Just because we do something a certain way doesn’t mean we have to continue doing it that way. Don’t accept the status quo. Question, innovate and keep evolving. Curiosity drives growth.

Looking Ahead

Kevin: Invest time, be curious and stay informed. It is also critical to build strong relationships, which is one sure advantage we have over AI. Relationships are still the currency of our industry.

Caroline: Be present and be willing to take on assignments that are outside your comfort zone. For associates, you might get some of the best opportunities when someone spots you in the hall. You can have amazing experiences if you are willing to show up and say yes.