Careers Network Mentoring Scheme
LLB Law, 2024
Mentored by a mentor from the Legal sector
Tell us a bit about your mentoring experience.
My name is Simran Purewal and I am a current LLB Law student at the University of Birmingham. I signed up for the Careers Networking Scheme in September 2021 and was matched with Christopher, a Circuit Barrister in the Midlands, who primarily specialises in family law and criminal law. My mentor completed a Chemistry degree at the University of Birmingham and began his legal career shortly after. Since it was difficult to find time to meet we initially met over zoom and shortly after I visited his chambers in Birmingham. Christopher helped me immensely through encouraging me to undertake every opportunity I could, including the Midland Circuit Advocacy Competition in which I was a finalist. Additionally, he helped me understand what life as a barrister is like and I completed a mini-pupillage at his chambers, where I shadowed him for a week in family and criminal cases. Without Christopher’s aid, I would still be unsure of which legal path to take and what different specialities in law involve.
Did you have any preconceptions about the mentoring experience that were challenged as a result of your experience?
At first, I thought that the mentoring experience was going to be solely through zoom meetings, but I was entirely wrong. I had plenty of opportunities to meet Christopher in real life and even spent a week doing a mini-pupillage at his chambers. I also had the privilege of meeting his wife who was a solicitor based in Birmingham, and heard about her experiences in handling lots of criminal and family law cases. I did not expect that the mentoring scheme would allow me to build so much confidence and gain experience meeting so many practicing lawyers.
What is one piece of advice you learnt from your mentor you could share with other students/graduates?
Although I received lots of advice from my mentor, the most impactful lesson was to make the most of every opportunity that is available to me no matter how difficult it may seem at the time. This is a lesson that I will always take with me through the rest of my studies and legal career.
Can you share any top tips for making the most of the mentoring opportunity and how to be an effective mentee?
My top tip for making the most of the mentoring opportunity would be to always make an effort with your mentor to arrange meetings. The mentor will always be willing to help as long as the mentee also makes an effort to arrange meetings and ask the relevant questions. It’s better to be proactive and communicate well with your mentor rather than wait for them to initiate contact with you.
Why would you recommend the scheme to other students?
I would recommend the Careers Networking scheme to others as you gain valuable lessons and skills that you may not be able to gain elsewhere. It helps you build your confidence and it’s great for networking and meeting loads of other people who can aid you in pursuit of your future career.