The University of Bristol Law School is very pleased to announce the launch of a new professional mentoring scheme to support our most talented students. In its inaugural year, the scheme is awarded to the 25 highest-achieving law students, based on the averages they obtained in their first year assessments.
One of the best testaments to the strength of our law school is the dedication and commitment of our alumni. This is one of a number of ways in which our alumni help to enrich the educational experience of our students and to support their personal and professional development. This is an excellent initiative and we are hugely grateful to our alumni for their continuing support.
Under the initiative, the successful students will receive careers-related support, in the course of their second year, from legal professionals who are also Bristol alumni. Participating alumni include solicitors based in firms in London (Linklaters and Herbert Smith Freehills) and Bristol (Burges Salmon and Bond Dickinson) as well as a Bristol-based barrister.
For any questions regarding the Professional Mentoring Scheme, please contact the scheme’s co-ordinator and careers contact, Dr Ardavan Arzandeh.
“I am very pleased that after months of planning and preparation, the University of Bristol Law School’s Professional Mentoring Scheme has been launched. I, and others in the Law School, are grateful for the support of our alumni. It is very much hoped that this initiative would help our students to make more informed decisions about their future careers.” Dr Ardavan Arzandeh, Bristol Law School’s Careers Contact and Professional Mentoring Scheme’s Co-ordinator
"Herbert Smith Freehills has always enjoyed a very strong relationship with Bristol University through the mooting competition and other activities. I am therefore delighted that our relationship is strengthened still further by some of the many HSF Bristol alumni here being able to help and guide current law students through this brilliant and innovative mentoring scheme." Dan Schaffer, Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, Bristol alumnus and chair of Bristol University Law School's advisory board
“Our Bristol University alumni are really pleased to be involved in mentoring current students. This gives us an additional chance to share our experiences with students, to help them explore career development opportunities and to advise them on how they can best prepare for the recruitment process. Many Bristol graduates have thrived at Linklaters and we look forward to welcoming many more in the future.” Nick Porter, Partner at Linklaters and Bristol Alumnus
“It is a fantastic idea to reward students who excelled in their first year by providing them with direct access to trainee solicitors and junior lawyers who have recently successfully negotiated the challenging path which can lead to a training contract. Many of our trainees are previous University of Bristol students and Bond Dickinson is delighted to be involved in the inaugural scheme!” Charlotte Coulson, Managing Associate at Bond Dickinson and Bristol Alumna
“We are delighted to be part of the mentoring scheme; over the years we have employed many Bristol graduates and have several ties with the University, including continued sponsorship of the Bristol University Law Clinic. Our lawyers are looking forward to sharing their experiences with students and we hope to see many more Bristol graduates join us in the future.” Jamie Cameron, CR Senior Associate at Burges Salmon, Bristol Alumnus