2019/20 DWL Inaugural Mentoring Program
In October 2019, DWL launched its pilot mentoring program, marked by a successful launch event of 120 participants held at Ashurst. The program was implemented on a unique 2:1 (mentor to mentee ratio) basis. This allowed mentees to be presented with different perspectives and experiences. Mentors ranged in background and experience and levels of seniority and were matched in consideration with student preferences. Additionally, DWL held a training session for the mentoring participants. The mentor training involved acknowledging benefits of reverse mentoring and discussing relevant issues such as leadership, power and privilege.
DWL also facilitated a networking and panel discussion event for its mentoring cohort focusing on the difference between mentoring and sponsorship hosted by Baker McKenzie. This panel considered why Diverse Women are in need of mentors and how sponsorship can further empower them, and whether current initiatives adequately promoted the sponsorship of Diverse Women.
DWL recognises the impact COVID-19 has had on its focus group and has encouraged its mentors to stay in touch with their mentees virtually.
“Having the purpose of this program to be about diversity was really important to me, as I feel as though my mentors have been very candid in talking about the adversity they have faced, but equally in discussing their passion for more diverse representation in the legal sector”
“I really like the 2 mentor model because my mentors have such different professional backgrounds. It’s so valuable to have different perspectives especially before my penultimate year when I will be applying for jobs”
What our mentees have to say about connecting virtually
