Mentoring Programme 2023
In 2020, Nottinghamshire Law Society launched a mentoring programme. The programme was a success and we would like to set up another programme in 2023. If you would be interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please complete the Online Application Form before 30th July.
The Nottinghamshire Law Society is a proactive law society and provides a major source of training for the legal profession. The Society believes it is in the best interests to invest further in the training of new legal professionals by offering them support:
- to develop their professional career
- outside of their normal working environment
- with career advice
In light of the recent statistics released by the Junior Lawyers Division about work/life balance and mental health and working stress levels experienced by junior lawyers, our view is that it is essential to help them now.
This year, Nottinghamshire Law Society would like to launch another volunteer Mentoring Programme for its Junior Members to help meet their career development needs.
The purpose of this Mentoring Programme will be:
- To provide mentoring support in the area of career progression and professional development for Junior Members
- To assist in the development of volunteer mentors
- To match volunteer mentors with potential mentees
“Mentoring is a distinct relationship where one person (the mentor) supports the learning, development and progress of another person (the mentee). A mentor provides support by offering information, advice and assistance in a way that empowers the mentee.” Julie Starr
Who is the Mentoring Programme for?
Any Junior Member of Nottinghamshire Law Society and Nottinghamshire Junior Lawyers Division – whether you are a trainee solicitor, junior lawyer, a student of local universities or a pupil barrister in Nottinghamshire.
This Mentoring Programme can support you with a wide range of topics such as:
- Looking for your first legal position
- Seeking promotion or changing job role
- An assignment or project
- Career guidance
- Managing difficult situations or work issues you are less familiar with
- Bridging the gap between what you know now and what you want/need to learn, either in your chosen area of law or from a wider organisational and sector perspective
- How to raise your profile in the legal profession
- How to operate in a pressurised environment whilst staying balanced and self-confident
Mentoring Benefits
Mentoring is a form of learning and development and has become a popular tool in supporting personal and professional development for individuals.
Becoming a Volunteer Mentor
Anyone wishing to join the Society’s Mentoring Programme as a volunteer mentor does not need to have had previous experience of mentoring.
All potential volunteer mentors are required to submit an application and profile form to help with the selection process and watch (in their leisure) recorded mentoring training sessions prior to their mentoring commitment.
As a volunteer mentor, you are required to:
- Be a current member of the NLS
- Commit to participating in the Mentoring Programme for a minimum of one year.
Becoming a Mentee
The partnership between the volunteer mentor and mentee is mentee centred. Mentees will be responsible for taking ownership and driving the partnership, drawing on the volunteer mentor’s knowledge and experience.
As a mentee, you will be able to:
- Identify areas for development and improvement
- Increase levels of self-confidence
- Deal with current situations and issues
- Lead your personal and professional development agenda
- Ask questions and seek advice and guidance
To register your interest in the mentoring programme in the role of mentor or mentee, simply complete the registration form before 30th July 2023.