Mentor Programme In order to help develop future generations of Emirati Advocates, it is essential that students have an insight into what it is like in practice as an Advocate, to develop legal skills, and know how needed to enter the profession.
The Legal Affairs Department mentoring programme aims to help law students enhance and develop their skills and gain greater insight into the profession by providing students with an individual Advocate practicing within the profession who would supervise and guide the student.
We are aware that as members of the legal profession, your time is valuable and so we have designed a scheme that benefits our students but is not a burden on mentors. We require mentors to agree that they agree to be in contact with their mentee three times over the course of the scheme and, where at all possible, that at least one of these contacts be a face-to-face meeting.
If mentors are able to offer more than the minimum commitment and include a short period of work shadowing then the benefits to students increase even further. However, this is at the discretion of the mentor.
Participation in the programme will qualify Advocates for four (4) points Non Mandatory CLPD credits.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a partnership between a mentor and mentee based on mutual trust. Mentees participate in order to:
- Increase self-awareness
- Identify strengths and weaknesses
- Identify options for development and career progression
- Achieve their aspirations.
The mentor takes an interest in the mentee’s professional life and provides a steer by sharing his own experiences and looking at ways to help the mentee acquire new knowledge, skills and understanding. The mentor role aims to help build the mentee’s confidence and ability to take responsibility for themselves, their career and their personal development.
What will you need to do?
A good mentor is able to guide, advise, support, enable, and encourage. Your objectives will include:
- Tackling issues and providing advice
- Providing practical and objective guidance and support
- Help your mentee define the kind of solicitor they want to be
You will need to be able to:
- listen, question and elicit facts
- provide considerable knowledge and experience of the profession
- give advice on career development and becoming a specialist
- offer different perspectives and insights you have learnt
- offer support and encouragement
- draw on your own experience when relevant
- discuss current issues affecting the profession, and challenge views
Discussions are confidential and should take place in a safe environment.
Training and Support
Benefits of a mentor programme
- Giving future generations an insight into your work as an Advocate
- Providing practical tips on planning
- helping them with their transition from undergraduate to professional
- Identify areas for development and improving their self-confidence.
Joining the Mentorship Program
All mentors must attend a two hour day CLPD accredited training session in August. You will also receive information to support you during the mentoring process.
You will be contacted by the Mentoring Scheme Co-ordinator during the mentoring period to discuss progress.
Feedback
After the final meeting, both the mentor and mentee will provide feedback about the process and its effectiveness. Applications
