In March, the Daily Report | Law.com announced its winners and finalists for the 2026 Southeastern Legal Awards. These annual awards recognize firms and attorneys from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee for their unwavering dedication to the profession.
Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Mike Stewart was named a finalist in the Best Mentors category. This category recognizes lawyers who have helped less-experienced colleagues become better lawyers. As part of the recognition, Daily Report | Law.com featured a Q&A with Mike about his mentoring experience. Below is an excerpt from Mike’s Q&A and a link to the full content. Honorees will be recognized at a gala on May 7 in Atlanta.
Mike Stewart Q&A
When asked about a “secret ingredient” for effective mentoring, Mike said one of the key ingredients is trust, noting “mentors who share insights from their own experiences and invite honest dialogue create an environment where mentees feel comfortable asking questions, testing ideas and receiving candid feedback.” He added, “Together, consistent time, openness and constructive guidance form the foundation of mentorship that truly supports long-term professional development and success.”
In response to a question about who he admires in the industry, Mike cited Mark Sheets, a fellow Bass, Berry & Sims attorney who mentored him early in his career. Speaking of the relationship, Mike said, Mark “modeled how to practice law with intellectual rigor while leading with generosity, integrity and trust, and he showed me how to build and sustain relationships both within and outside of the law firm. Through his example, I learned not only how to be a great lawyer, but also how to be a thoughtful and reliable colleague, advocate and mentor to those more junior than me.”
To read the full Q&A, click here.
Mike Stewart Practice
Mike is a nationally recognized commercial real estate attorney who advises developers, investors, and owners on projects throughout the Southeast and across the country. With a particular focus on multifamily transactions, he draws on his deep experience spanning over 15 years to efficiently structure, negotiate and close complex transactions. Mike’s practice is diverse, covering a wide range of deal sizes and property types, reflecting his comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate industry. Read more about Mike’s practice here.