Mentoring has always required a deliberate and intentional approach. It is not something that happens automatically, even in traditional workplaces. In a virtual environment, that becomes even more apparent.
Without the benefit of informal, in-person interaction, mentoring has to be built into how the organization operates. That includes recurring check-ins that are actually scheduled, as well as peer buddy systems so people have someone they can go to with day-to-day questions, brain-storming and support. It also means ensuring access to more senior team members in a way that feels natural, not overly formal and that removes the mentee’s fear of “bothering” the mentor.
Equally important are the systems that sit around those relationships. Informal and formal chat channels, along with a centralized and reliable source of truth for documents and resources, make a big difference. These are not just operational tools; they support inclusion and efficiency, particularly when teams are working quickly to service clients.
Maintaining Connection in a Virtual Workplace
Even in a fully virtual workplace, there can be real value in spending time together in person. At SpringLaw, we hold quarterly in-person meetings to strengthen relationships across the team. For those who are not able to attend in person, the quality of the virtual experience matters. This is something many organizations underestimate. It is not enough to provide a dial-in option; the experience needs to feel equivalent. Clear audio, good visuals, and the ability to participate fully all play a role in making sure remote team members are not treated as an afterthought.
Where AI Changes the Equation
The introduction of AI into the workplace is changing how work gets done, including in the legal industry. It is now possible to generate basic work product that appears polished and complete with a relatively small amount of effort.
In many ways, this is a positive development. Efficiency improves, and teams can move more quickly. However, it also creates a new challenge. A document can look finished without being strategically sound. If someone has not worked extensively in a particular area, they may not smell the nuances of where an analysis needs refinement or where the overall approach should be reconsidered.
The Shift in What Mentoring Actually Does
This is where mentoring becomes more important than ever. The focus shifts away from reviewing technical work and toward developing judgment and perspective.
Mentoring becomes a place to work through strategy, to test ideas, and to understand how different approaches may play out. It also provides space to consider the human side of decision-making, which is often the determining factor in workplace issues.
In law, we are already seeing strong tools that can handle baseline research. What remains is the application of that information in context. That includes considering organizational culture, personalities, and the broader business objectives at play. Those are not areas where AI currently provides reliable guidance, and they are difficult to shortcut without experience.
Why This Matters for Small Business Owners
For business owners & HR leaders, this shift is worth paying attention to. As AI tools become more accessible, team members may be able to produce work more quickly and with a higher level of polish.
That can create the impression that less oversight or development is needed. In practice, the opposite is often true. The risk of relying on work that looks strong but lacks depth increases, particularly when decisions need to be made quickly.
Mentoring helps address that risk. It ensures that team members are not just producing outputs, but understanding how to evaluate and apply them. That distinction becomes more important as technology continues to improve.
A Practical Perspective from Running a Virtual Firm
At SpringLaw, we have been early adopters of technology, including AI, and we see clear benefits. At the same time, we are not concerned about being replaced by the robots any time soon.
The value we bring to clients is rooted in judgment, context, and an understanding of how workplace situations actually unfold. Those are areas where human experience remains central.
Mentoring is how that experience gets passed on. As AI takes on more of the technical work, the role of mentoring becomes more focused on developing how people think rather than simply correcting what they produce. That is likely to be the differentiator for both individuals and organizations going forward.
Lisa Stam
Lisa Stam is the founder of SpringLaw and a leading employment lawyer focused on technology, digital work, and modern workplace design. She advises employers on remote work policy, compliance, and workforce strategy, helping teams balance flexibility with legal clarity in an increasingly digital environment.
