Formerly known as the AWS mentoring scheme, the Women Lawyers Division mentoring scheme aims to give female lawyers support in their career progression, regardless of their area of practice.
- Are you interested in becoming a mentor?
- Do you need support in your career?
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a one-to-one non-judgemental relationship in which an individual (the mentor) voluntarily gives of his/her time to support, advise or encourage another person (the mentee).
What does the scheme cover?
The Women Lawyers Division mentoring scheme offers an opportunity for mentees to have two conversations with a mentor to discuss specific issues. The most common types of enquiry are about:
- changing specialism
- moving from City/private practice to in-house/GLS/local government or vice-versa
- moving from one regional area to another
- working flexibly
- combining a career with a family
- returning to the profession after a career break and
- going for partnership, promotion or a judicial appointment
- bullying/harassment.
Mentees who are considering any of these issues can be put in touch with lawyers who have already faced these situations and can advise from experience.
What does the scheme not cover?
The scheme does not provide legal advice on the matters raised or offer work experience or training contracts. It does not deal with medical issues such as depression or with forms of psychological counseling. If you are facing an issue which is not covered by the Women Lawyers Division scheme, you may wish to contact LawCare
How does the scheme work?
The scheme offers two conversations aimed at helping a mentee with a specific issue at a specific time. WLD mentors, who give their time on a voluntary basis, aim to listen and to offer constructive advice gained from their own professional experience.
How do I become a mentor?
The WLD is looking for women, at all levels of seniority, who wish to volunteer as mentors.
Mentors fill out a form detailing their professional background; the form is kept on file by the scheme administrator, until a mentee makes a request for the type of advice offered by that particular mentor. Usually the mentor contacts the mentee, as the scheme does not give out a mentor's contact details unless agreed by the mentor. Mentors generally receive one or two queries a year. Click here for the mentor form.
How do I become a mentee?
If you would like advice as a mentee, then please complete a form setting out your queries and summarising your professional background. The scheme administrator, a solicitor herself, uses this form to match the mentee with an appropriate mentor. Click here for the mentee form.
Scheme contact details
If you would like further information on the WLD mentoring scheme, please email womenlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk.