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Shape the Future of the Legal Profession: Become a Mentor at Nottingham

At the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´, we believe that meaningful connections between students and industry professionals can shape futures. That’s why we’re so proud of our Pathways to Practice Mentoring Scheme, which connects ambitious Law students with barristers and solicitors based in the UK and abroad. It’s about providing our students with support, advice, and encouragement from someone who’s already out there doing the job. To quote a recent student participant "this is the kind of mentorship that not only clarifies the path forward, but also makes people feel more confident walking it". 

What our Mentors say about the scheme:

This was my second year as a mentor, and I have found it to be a rewarding experience in both years. Like many alumni, I credit my time at Nottingham with giving me a solid foundation from which to embark on a legal career. Things are much more competitive now than when I started out, so I welcomed the opportunity to provide support and guidance to a member of the Nottingham community. It was personally fulfilling to me to play a small part in the development of the next generation of Nottingham talent.

So many people have invested their time and wisdom in me throughout my life, and joining the Pathways to Practice Mentoring Scheme felt like the natural way to pay that forward. The ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ community is only as strong as the people willing to invest in it. So, to anyone considering becoming a mentor, I would simply say that great universities are not built by chance - they are built on the joint endeavour between the university, current students and alumni.

I have been fortunate to enjoy a rewarding career since graduating and I felt it was important to share some of that experience with Nottingham students, particularly those who may not have access to the networks or professional insight often more readily available elsewhere. I would happily recommend the scheme to other alumni. It is a simple but meaningful way to support students, widen access to professional experience and maintain a connection with the university.

What our Students say about the scheme:

Due to my interest in international law, I valued being paired with a lawyer at the UN Refugee Agency specialising in international human rights law. This gave me the opportunity to learn more about the different specialisations within this legal sector and how they operate in a global context. My mentor offered invaluable advice on gaining relevant work experience, strengthening applications, and making the most of opportunities at university. I would highly recommend the scheme to other students as it offers an introduction to the realities of legal practice, going beyond what is taught in academic settings. 

I have long aspired to become a barrister, and subsequently a judge, and was always told my dream was unrealistic. At the end of the six-month mentoring phase, I had attained guidance and confidence that my dream is indeed attainable. When I learned I had been assigned to a sitting judge, I was especially excited about the opportunity to put my questions to an inspirational legal sector figure. I have since secured three mini-pupillage offers, which would not have been possible without the confidence and connections I gained on this scheme - I would never trade this opportunity for anything else.

The experience with my mentor far exceeded my expectations. Over three online sessions, I gained invaluable insight into the day-to-day life of a solicitor, the challenges the profession presents, and the personal and professional skills required to thrive in it. In terms of career planning, the scheme had a direct and practical impact. My mentor helped me map out the work experience I would need to build a competitive profile and gave me tailored guidance on preparing for the SQE. These conversations helped me move from uncertainty to a structured plan.

The benefits of becoming a Mentor: 

• Make a real impact on future talent -support social mobility, widen access to the profession, and shape the next generation.

• Reflect on your own journey -mentoring often leads to renewed purpose, perspective, and professional pride.

• Flexible commitment - just three one hour sessions are expected during the mentoring phase. 

• Build a stronger profession -help create a more inclusive, supportive legal community in Nottingham and beyond.

Register as a mentor: 

If you're a qualified solicitor or barrister who can commit to supporting a student via virtual mentoring, we’d love for you to join our ever-growing mentor community! Beforing registering as a volunteer mentor, please check out the Pathways to Practice Mentoring Scheme Role Description and Mentor Agreement to ensure you understand the expectations of the role.

Have a question before registering? Contact the Pathways to Practice mentor team here.