Society appeals for more to join mentoring scheme

Solicitors and trainees from all areas of practice are wanted to become mentors in the Law Society of Scotland's expanding mentoring scheme.

The legal careers mentoring scheme aims to match mentors and mentees, helping them share knowledge and expertise, give advice and gain fresh perspectives. Mentors and mentees normally meet one a month over the course of a year.

Mentors and mentees can be from all areas of practice and at any stage of their career. Mentors will be supported throughout the process and training can count towards CPD.

Elaine MacGlone, equality and diversity manager at the Society, said: “Being a mentor can be a really rewarding experience and it gives you a great opportunity to pass on valuable knowledge, skills and expertise. It’s also a chance to develop your own leadership and management skills while helping another individual develop their career.

“Both mentors and mentees can benefit from a fresh perspective and we have had really positive feedback from those who have already been involved. I’d encourage anyone who feels they could have benefited from having a mentor in their early career to get involved.”

Those offering their services as mentors must be available to attend a training day on Wednesday 15 June at the Society's ofices in Edinburgh. Applications are open to Scottish solicitors and trainees from all areas, including England & Wales.

For more information, see www.lawscot.org.uk/mentoring. Further questions and application forms should be sent to mentoring@lawscot.org.uk.

For a previous mentor's perspective, see the article at Journal, September 2014, 49.