Mentors help lead the way for sustainability law students

The Mentorship Initiative for Sustainability Law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has become a cornerstone of support for students pursuing careers in sustainability law. The program connects students with experienced mentors and offers valuable networking opportunities in the sustainability law field.

The program was created by a local environmental and natural resources attorney, Michelle De Blasi, who noticed that ASU Law students often struggled to connect with practicing attorneys. After hearing about the challenges students faced in finding career guidance, De Blasi reached out to the college and helped launch the mentorship program to create those crucial connections.

“I focus on helping my mentees develop practical skills they don’t always get in law school,” De Blasi said. “We meet monthly to practice networking, which is an essential skill for a successful attorney. We also discuss the different pathways in sustainability law, whether in corporations, law firms, government or nonprofits.”    

MISL pairs students with attorneys based on their specific interests, offering career advice and opening doors to a professional network. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program has helped many students find their footing in the competitive field of sustainability law.

Lauren Ferrigni, a 2015 ASU Law JD graduate, was one of the first students to join the program. She was paired with De Blasi and credits her mentorship with helping her break into the environmental and energy law sectors after graduation.

Now a mentor herself, Ferrigni enjoys helping students navigate the same path she once did. 

“It feels like coming full circle to be in a position to help others,” she said.

As MISL marks its 10th year, it remains a vital resource for ASU Law students, offering mentorship and career advice that helps bridge the gap between law school and the professional world.”

Written by Crystal Jimenez