The Law Society needs mentors to assist successful candidates on
the Law
Society Diversity Access Scheme. The scheme provides full
scholarships for the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to talented and
committed entrants to the solicitors' profession who also face
exceptional, social, educational, financial or personal obstacles
to qualification.
This is an initiative that the Law Society has been running
since 2004, aimed at boosting social mobility and making the legal
profession more accessible to those from diverse backgrounds who
are financially disadvantaged. The students are likely to want an
insight into working in certain areas of law as well as support and
advice on obtaining a training contract, flexible working,
paralegal work, and issues for mature/disabled students.
We ask mentors to sign up to a minimum of 12 months, running
from 1 October 2012-30 September 2013 and to complete a detailed
application form on the area(s) where they are able to offer
assistance - mentees do the same.
Both mentors and mentees are issued with detailed mentoring
guidelines outlining the mentoring process, to ensure that both
have a clear understanding and are then matched by areas of
experience and specialism, as opposed to geographical location.
Training details
All mentors must attend a free half day training session in
order to be able to participate in the scheme. This year's training
has been scheduled for the 25 September. It is accredited with 3.5
CPD hours and you will have to sign the registration form on the
day to claim the allocated hours. It will take place at The Law
Society, 113 Chancery Lance, London WC2A 1PL and reasonable travel
costs will be reimbursed.
Contact details
If you'd be interested in becoming a mentor or would like more
information about the scheme, please contact Jerry Garvey on 0207
320 5796 or email jerry.garvey@lawsociety.org.uk.