Ida Abbott has been helping employers develop, manage and retain legal talent since 1995, following a long career as a trial lawyer. A mentor and coach to high achieving individuals, she is a co-founder of the Professional Development Consortium and the Hastings Leadership Academy for Women. Much of her current work focuses on advancing women. It's crucial to have a champion for your career and professional advancement, someone who becomes actively engaged on your behalf. Not every mentor will do this. A champion will not only advise you but will actually make things happen for you. This is the highest form of mentoring.