Pathways to Practice Mentoring Scheme
At the 糖心原创, we believe that meaningful connections between students and industry professionals can shape futures.
Pathways to Practice is a School of Law mentoring scheme connecting students with practising solicitors and barristers. The scheme gives students the opportunity to gain insight into the legal profession, develop their confidence and professional skills, and receive guidance as they explore their future careers.
Why take part?
Through Pathways to Practice, you can:
- Gain insight into the legal profession from someone working in the sector.
- Explore different legal career paths and learn about your mentor's career journey.
- Develop your confidence and professional communication skills.
- Ask questions about the legal profession and your future career.
- Receive guidance on career development, applications and gaining relevant experience.
- Build your professional network.
A welcome message from Olympia Bekou, Head of the School of Law and Professor of Public International Law.
Who can apply?
Pathways to Practice is open to School of Law students in any year of study.
There are two mentoring pathways available:
Solicitor Mentoring
Connect with a practising solicitor and gain insight into their career, different areas of legal practice and the solicitor profession.
Barrister Mentoring
Connect with a practising barrister and gain insight into life at the Bar, their career journey and the route into the barrister profession.
Places on the scheme are limited. When applying, please provide information about your interests, career aspirations and what you hope to gain from the mentoring experience.
Are you a mentor looking to get involved? Visit our volunteer page for more information.
What does the scheme involve?
Mentoring takes place primarily through virtual one-to-one meetings between students and their mentors.
Students are expected to have a minimum of three meetings with their mentor during the mentoring period. You and your mentor will agree the timing and format of your meetings based on your availability.
All students who are successfully matched with a mentor will also be required to attend a compulsory onboarding session. This session will introduce you to the scheme and cover expectations, professional communication, meeting etiquette and how to make the most of your mentoring relationship.
The Pathways to Practice Mentoring Handbook provides further guidance on preparing for meetings, setting goals and making the most of your mentoring experience.
What we expect from you
Pathways to Practice is a professional opportunity, and students are expected to take an active role in their mentoring relationship.
You should:
- Communicate professionally and respond to your mentor in a timely manner.
- Take responsibility for arranging and attending your mentoring meetings.
- Prepare for your meetings and think about what you would like to discuss.
- Actively participate in conversations and ask questions.
- Respect your mentor's time and professional commitments.
- Complete any required activities and feedback.
Attendance at the onboarding session and engagement with the mentoring programme are compulsory. Failure to engage with compulsory elements of the scheme may result in removal from the programme.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026/27 Pathways to Practice mentoring scheme will open on Friday 25 September 2026.
Before applying, please read the Pathways to Practice Mentoring Handbook, Student Code of Conduct and make sure you understand the expectations of participating in the scheme.
When completing the application form, tell us about your interests, career aspirations and what you hope to gain from having a mentor. This information will help us with the matching process.
Applications close: Monday 19 October 2026
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the scheme.
Key dates
Applications open: 25 September 2026
Applications close: 19 October 2026
Matching confirmed: Early November 2026
Compulsory onboarding session: Early November 2026
Mentoring period: Mid-November 2026 to End of April 2027
Further information about the scheme and key dates will be shared with successful applicants.
Testimonials
Mentee: I started my second year feeling pretty lost. I had no idea what my plan was for my law degree, let alone what I’d do after graduation. When I saw the Pathways scheme, I signed up because I just needed a bit of hope that someone could help me figure out a direction towards the solicitor path.
The six months I spent with my mentor turned out to be exactly what I needed. One of the biggest things he taught me was the art of balance, which is something that’s quite difficult to find at university. He showed me how to find that equilibrium between my studies and my future career without burning out on either. We also tackled the world of networking. He gave me a great tip: do your research on people before an event so approaching them feels less daunting.
It’s a game-changer when you realize networking is your best ally, not something to fear. We even talked about the importance of finding your voice and advocating for yourself as a new grad. Even though my mentor was based abroad, which meant we didn't focus on local work experience, the advice he gave me was indispensable. I got a real look into the life of a solicitor and discovered how I could make my mark if I choose that path. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure about the barrister vs. solicitor route, or need a boost in confidence, I can’t recommend this scheme enough.
Ireoluwatomiwa Illuyemi – LLB Law Student (Second Year)
Mentor: 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.
Simon Passfield KC (Law, 2008), Barrister at Guildhall Chambers
Further opportunities
Pathways to Practice is one of the ways in which the School of Law supports students to explore legal careers and develop their professional skills.
Students may also be signposted to relevant careers, employability and skills development opportunities offered by the University and School of Law throughout the academic year.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Pathways to Practice or the application process, please contact the Pathways to Practice team.