Recruiter Corner: Karen Manu, Graduate Recruiter Assistant at Reed Smith
April 3, 2024
Networking in the legal sector
April 5, 2024
By Isha Amir.
Reading time: three minutes
From mentorship initiatives to affinity groups, this article explores the avenues fostering an inclusive environment within legal education and practice.
The importance of support systems
Being an aspiring lawyer is hard, being an aspiring lawyer from an underrepresented background is even harder. This is because students from underrepresented backgrounds often face unique challenges stemming from systemic inequalities, cultural differences and socioeconomic barriers. Support systems serve as vital pillars, offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. They can provide a safe space for students to discuss and address these challenges, offering resources and guidance tailored to their specific needs. Therefore, it is important they have access to support systems in such a fierce and competitive environment.
How to identify a support system
Mentors
Mentors can come in several different forms, whether it is a barrister you did a mini pupillage with or someone who went to the same university as you, having a mentor can provide great help. Alumni mentors can offer insights into the legal profession, share their experiences navigating law school, provide networking opportunities, and offer career advice and guidance.
However, sometimes it is not as easy as that, so here are some places where you can find mentors:
- The Student Lawyer’s mentoring scheme is open to law and non-law students and recent graduates from any group that is underrepresented in the legal industry.
- Legal Geek mentorship programme connects mentors and mentees across the legal industry, with a focus on supporting underrepresented groups.
- Young Legal Aid Lawyers offer an informal mentoring scheme to support law students who want to work in legal aid, and legal aid lawyers in the early stages of their careers.
- HerBar mentoring, which provides mentoring opportunities especially for women and connects them with a network of women barristers.
- Grow Mentoring, provide guidance and insights to the mentee to help students.
Other support systems
Family members and friends can be invaluable sources of support and encouragement for underrepresented law students. While they may not have legal expertise, they can provide emotional support, offer a listening ear during challenging times, and celebrate achievements and milestones. They can also provide practical assistance, such as helping with childcare, household responsibilities, or financial support, allowing students to focus on their studies and career aspirations.
Peer support is crucial for underrepresented law students navigating the challenges of law school. Friends and peers can provide a sense of camaraderie, understanding, and solidarity, as they may be experiencing similar struggles or obstacles. Peer support networks can offer opportunities for collaboration, study groups, and social connections, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the law school environment.
Overall
In the journey through law school and into the legal world, underrepresented students face unique hurdles. But you’re not alone. You have a network of support ready to help you navigate the path ahead, and it is important that you use them.
