Durham University Student Law Society launches its 2026-27 Mentorship Scheme
Durham University Student Law Society would like to thank all of the mentors who have given their time to supporting its members in the last academic year, and to invite legal professionals to sign up as mentors for the 2026-27 academic year.
Note: to sign up as a mentor to our 2026-27 scheme see link below.
Thank you of our 2025-26 mentors
The Durham University Student Law Society would like to extend its sincere thanks to all legal professionals who generously supported its 2025–26 Mentorship Scheme.
Their commitment, encouragement and expertise have once again played a vital role in helping Durham law students develop professionally and confidently as they prepare for careers in the legal profession.
During the 2025–26 academic year, the scheme brought together more than 100 mentors to support more than 120 student mentees, creating meaningful mentoring partnerships across a wide range of legal practice areas.
Participants included solicitors, barristers, trainee solicitors, academics, in-house counsel and professionals pursuing alternative legal careers, reflecting the breadth of opportunities available to Durham students.
Running throughout the academic year, the scheme provides students with practical support on applications, interviews, career decisions and academic development, while also encouraging them to maintain perspective and balance during an important stage of their studies.
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to establish a flexible pattern of communication that suits both parties, whether through virtual meetings, email or in-person conversations.
The impact of the scheme is reflected in the experiences of those who have taken part. One student commented:
"Having the opportunity to speak with my mentor provided me with a much clearer understanding of the legal profession and the steps I could take to develop my career. Their advice on applications and professional development was invaluable, and I greatly appreciated having someone to guide me through the process."
Another mentee reflected:
"My mentor offered perspectives that I would not have been able to gain through academic study alone. Our conversations helped me better understand different career pathways within law and gave me greater confidence when considering my future opportunities."
The Dean of Durham Law School, Professor Volker Roeben added:
“I would like to congratulate the Law Society for all of their hard work in organising this mentoring scheme and to thank all of the mentors who so generously gave their time and expertise in the 2025-26 academic year in supporting the University’s students in their career aspirations.”
The Law Society would also like to thank the Durham Law School Alumni Association for publicising the 2025-26 scheme to its members which led to significant increase in the number of mentors signing up to the scheme.
Launch of the 2026-27 Mentorship Scheme
Building on the success of the 2025-26 scheme, the Law Society is now pleased to announce that mentor registration is open for its 2026–27 Mentorship Scheme.
The scheme continues to strengthen connections between current students and the wider Durham legal community by pairing aspiring legal professionals with experienced mentors who can share their knowledge, career experiences and practical advice.
We welcome the participation of Durham alumni and members of the legal profession across all practice areas and career stages, including qualified solicitors and barristers, trainee solicitors, academics, in-house lawyers, public sector lawyers and those working in alternative legal careers.
Whether you can offer insight into recruitment processes, discuss your own career journey or provide guidance from your area of expertise, your support can make a lasting difference to a student's development. The mentoring programme is designed to be flexible, allowing each mentoring partnership to decide which communication method works best throughout the year.
The Society’s Mentoring Scheme Team will continue to provide support to mentors and mentees throughout the scheme.
Those interested in becoming a mentor for the 2026–27 academic year are warmly invited to complete the mentor registration form here.
Once registration closes mentor-mentee pairings will be confirmed and further details will be forwarded in mid October, before mentoring begins later in the Michaelmas Term.
The Law Society looks forward to welcoming both returning and new mentors as it continues to build a strong, supportive and connected Durham legal community.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the continued success of the Mentorship Scheme and to supporting the next generation of legal professionals. 
Notes:
More about the Durham Student Law Society is here
More about Durham Law School is here
More about Durham Law School Alumni Association here