Jessica Valenzuela Discusses Mentoring With The Recorder

Accolades  |  June 29, 2026

The Recorder

---

Partner Jessica Valenzuela – a finalist for The Recorder’s [PDF] Best Mentor award – told the publication: “Mentorship is so central to how I practice law that I often don’t think about it as ‘mentorship.’ I simply view it as the practice of law. I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that junior lawyers who I work with always understand what final work product I am asking for, why the task is necessary, and how it fits into the broader case strategy. If they understand the overall goal, it empowers them to think outside the box, contribute their own ideas, and feel comfortable asking questions to better develop their knowledge.”

Partner Jeff Lombard, a mentee of Jessica’s, told the publication one lesson she has taught him: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to question the work you are receiving – great lawyers do both.”