One of the best ways to succeed in law is to have a mentor – someone you can turn to for advice and guidance. Mentorship is rarely a formal scheme, which can benefit those with the right connections already. If you can turn to your parents and their friends for their thoughts on how best to apply to a particular law firm or for introductions to successful lawyers, you’re at a huge advantage when compared to the masses applying through conventional means.

Mentorship is also vital for your career after you’ve succeeded in applying to a firm. A mentor can help you navigate through the difficult personalities and unusual office politics you might face. When you’re faced with a novel situation, having someone you can trust who can give you the benefit of their experience will make a real difference. This is particularly true if you’re from a different background to your colleagues.

In recent years there has been a welcome drive towards diversity and inclusiveness in the legal profession. More mentors will help us to get there as a profession. We need more mentors – if you are or were a lawyer, then consider signing up to a scheme such as the one below.

If you’re a student or trainee in need of a mentor, have a think about who you know in your extended network of friends and family friends who is (or was) a lawyer. Also think about those at work whom you respect and would like to have as a mentor (though preferably not anyone you work directly for – best to keep things separate). Don’t be afraid to ask people for help! People are often more than happy to help and to share their experience with you.

If you’re looking for a formal scheme, then do some research online. Look at organisations like Rare Recruitment or TheStudentLawyer, who have set up a mentorship scheme – you can find out more about how to apply here. Full disclaimer: our team mentor students through TSL’s scheme.