London Met Uni launches mentoring programme for law undergrads

The London Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Business and Law has been awarded funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England to set up a mentoring programme for law undergraduates from under-represented backgrounds. The aim is to encourage and support their progression into postgraduate study, as well as helping LPC students to progress into legal work.

Twenty-nine LPC students are currently acting as mentors for around 40 LLB students. They will undertake 10 sessions, focusing on issues such as postgraduate study, practice areas, interview skills and techniques, work experience and networking. In turn, the LPC mentors have been assigned 'solicitor mentors', all of whom are practising in London in a wide range of disciplines and legal organisations.

Sophie Williams, a solicitor at Block and Co, said: "I hope that students will gain a realistic insight into how the profession works and appreciate that there are so many areas of law to consider going into. To obtain a passion for a certain area of law is a must. But to obtain that passion, students need to get themselves into firms."

Student Dafni Tsokou is both a mentor to undergraduate students and being mentored by a solicitor. She said: "I really enjoy being a part of this programme. My mentor is really helpful and always willing to meet me or talk to me if I need something. We are currently trying to make some plans regarding my approach to a firm I would really like to work for."