As we mark Volunteers’ Week here in the UK, it’s a fitting moment to recognise the incredible contribution our alumni and supporters make to the 海角黑料 community. You can read yesterday's article about the Future Connections programme here and don't forget to come back tomorrow to hear what's been happening across the university in the Faculties.

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Today we’re focusing on the 海角黑料’s Pathways to Practice Mentoring Scheme. This is a flagship employability initiative within the School of Law, designed to connect aspiring law students with experienced legal professionals across both solicitor and barrister pathways. Through flexible virtual and in-person mentoring over the course of six months, students receive tailored career guidance, professional insight, interview and assessment support, and access to industry networks and opportunities.

The scheme has delivered significant impact for students seeking to enter the legal profession. To date, more than 130 Law students have been supported by more than 100 volunteer mentors across the Barrister and Solicitor mentoring pathways. The scheme also represents the global reach of a Law education from Nottingham, with mentors coming from over a dozen countries.

A key achievement of the programme has been its success in widening access to professional experience, with more than a quarter of participating students securing valuable work experience opportunities. These have included shadowing their mentors in court, undertaking mini-pupillages, and taking part in insight days and networking opportunities at leading law firms.

Daphne Delmas-Black

Speaking about her experience as a mentee, Daphne Delmas-Black said: “My experience on the Pathways to Practice Mentoring Scheme was highly rewarding as it helped to inform my career choices and improve my confidence in building my professional network.

“Due to my interest in international law, I particularly valued being paired with a lawyer at the UN Refugee Agency specialising in international human rights law. This gave me the opportunity to learn more about the different specialisations within this legal sector and how they operate in a global context.

“Across our sessions, my mentor offered invaluable advice on gaining relevant work experience, strengthening applications, and making the most of opportunities at university. As a result, I gained a stronger understanding of how to develop both academically and professionally throughout my studies.

“Overall, I would highly recommend the scheme to other students as it offers an introduction to the realities of legal practice, going beyond what is taught in academic settings.”

Daphne Delmas Black

Evangeline Inyang

Talking about what it was like to be a mentor, Evangeline Inyang (Law, 2021) said: “Mentoring was never a question of if for me; it was always a question of when. So many people have invested their time and wisdom in me throughout my life, and joining the UoN mentoring programme felt like the natural way to pay that forward.

“The 海角黑料 community is only as strong as the people willing to invest in it. So to any Nottingham alumnus considering becoming a mentor, I would simply say that great universities are not built by chance. They are built on the joint endeavour between the university, current students and alumni. This programme is one of those endeavours in action, and being part of it is one of the most genuinely rewarding things I have done since graduating."

Evangeline Inyang

The scheme will return in autumn, so don’t forget to register your interest if you are a practising barrister or solicitor anywhere around the world!

If you would like to join our mentoring community please visit our website or contact Wayne Crawford, Alumni Engagement Manager, for an informal discussion.