Clarke Willmott mentors next generation lawyers
Lawyers at the Birmingham office of Clarke Willmott LLP have taken part in a pilot collective mentoring programme in partnership with Aston University.
A team of seven mentors from the firm provided Aston University law students with mentoring and career development sessions as well as aiming to boost confidence and share knowledge on working in a professional services environment.
12 law students were part of the programme which ran for four months and covered a variety of topics including application and interview tips and an interactive assessment session.
Mentoring took place both at the University and at Clarke Willmott’s Colmore Row office where students received talks from Adam Maguire, who talked about his journey from paralegal to partner and from Stacey Collins, who spoke about alternative routes into law.
One of the mentors, Amanda Whatmore, an associate in Clarke Willmott’s commercial property team, said: “It has been an extremely rewarding experience to take part in this mentoring programme with Aston University.
“We were thoroughly impressed by the talent, tenacity and pragmatic approach displayed by the students.
“As well as the students, hopefully, finding the learnings useful, I know that our mentors and the wider Birmingham office were more than pleased to give back to the next generation of young lawyers entering the industry.”
Mentors on the scheme were partner Adam Maguire, solicitor Molly Cook, senior associate Petra Hantakova, associates Rajinda Sanghera and Amanda Whatmore, trainee legal executive Stacey Collins and Early Careers and EDI Advisor Emma May Davies.
Associate Dean for Enterprise and Engagement for Aston Law School Shaid Parveen said: “The importance of having mentors who can share knowledge of what you will never find in a textbook has been invaluable.
“The opportunity has allowed students to understand the route to becoming a lawyer is not linear. Therefore, creating a road map to success requires planning, sooner rather than later.
“Thank you to Clarke Willmott for offering their time and expertise on an innovative collective mentoring project with Aston University.”
Some of the students who took part in the programme also shared their feedback with one saying: “I am deeply grateful for the support and wisdom shared by these amazing mentors. Their dedication to helping the next generation of solicitors is inspiring. They not only offered advice but also shared their personal experiences, demonstrating what it takes to succeed and thrive in this profession.”
Another said: “It was a pleasure to learn so much from the team and connect with lawyers specialised in various sectors. Meeting these professionals showed me the different paths I can go down using my law degree and reinforced my determination to not give up. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge and guidance shared during these sessions over the past few months.”
