ULaw launches annual student mentoring scheme

The University of Law (ULaw) has launched its student mentoring scheme for 2013, with over 200 legal professionals committing to the scheme in London, amidst a group of over 600 nationwide, across ULaw’s eight UK centres.

The scheme - which was piloted in ULaw's Chester centre in 1997 and has been going strong ever since - matches up students with limited previous experience of the legal profession with mentors from relevant practice areas. The mentors offer guidance on vital areas such as network-building and gaining experience, writing job applications and dealing with interviews.

Victoria Ogden, a solicitor at Ince & Co, is participating in the London mentoring programme for the fourth year in a row. She said: "I am proud to support such a great scheme. It can be difficult to know where to start when trying to secure work experience or a training contract within the legal profession. […] I hope to share with my mentee some insight into the legal industry and my experiences of applying to and working within law firms. Many people gave me advice and guidance when I was a law student and I now hope to be able to do the same."

Former mentee and ULaw student Edward Harper was helped by the scheme to secure a training contract with a medium-sized London firm. He said: "Without the help and guidance of my mentor, who was always willing to answer the phone and emails, I would never have been made aware of the sheer number of different opportunities for interesting work beyond that found in the large City firms."