Firm mentors next generation of lawyers in Birmingham
Lawyers at the Birmingham office of Clarke Willmott have taken part in a pilot collective mentoring programme in partnership with Aston University.
A team of seven mentors from the firm provided Aston 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.
Twelve 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 offices, 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.’
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.’
Pictured above: The mentoring team from Clarke Willmott
