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My Mentoring Experience - Bradley Jones

07 September 2023

The Group Mentoring Programme at The Dickson Poon School of Law was launched in October 2022, with its first 6-month cycle closing in April this year. The programme pairs mentors with up to three mentees, rather than adopting the traditional one-to-one format. Bradley Jones (LLM student) was matched with mentor Rita Dattani (LLB Law, 1989), a Professional Support Lawyer at law firm Trowers & Hamlin, alongside two of his peers. Bradley shared the highlights of the programme with us, such as Rita’s support with improving his CV, preparing for assessment centres, and the 2-week vacation scheme he underwent at Rita’s firm.

Why did you decide to sign-up for the Group Mentoring Programme at The Dickson Poon School of Law?

I decided to sign up for the Group Mentoring Programme for two reasons. Firstly, with the already well-established ties with the industry that the mentors have, this was an opportunity to connect to some of the best people in a way which is not possible otherwise. Secondly, as someone who has no family or friends in the industry it is always important to build connections, and the programme provides the perfect opportunity for this in a structured space.

The programme helped me connect with Rita who practiced in an area specific to my career goals, meaning all of the advice she gave was highly relevant.

How does the Group Mentoring Programme differ from other mentoring programmes?

Unlike traditional mentoring programs, a group mentoring programme takes the edge off the experience. This is because working with a group of individuals in a similar situation to me not only helps me to expand my network outside of my area of interest, but also allows me to ask ‘stupid’ questions. Moreover, being with a group of fellow students meant questions which I would otherwise not have thought of or asked were all raised, meaning we were able to cover many lines of inquiry.

What has been the highlight of your mentoring experience?

The highlight of my mentoring experience has been the opportunity to engage in a 2-week vacation scheme at my mentors' firm, Trowers & Hamlins. This is truly the best possible outcome for anyone undertaking a mentoring scheme. This was not the only benefit I gained, as my mentor also helped me with my CV and preparations for assessments centres which I am still applying to now. The take home message for me is that the mentors are actually there to help their mentees and will strive to do so in any way they can.

The programme helped me connect with Rita who practiced in an area specific to my career goals, meaning all of the advice she gave was highly relevant.– Bradley Jones

Why do you think having a mentor is important, particularly as a law student?

As a law student there are two benefits to having a mentor (at least in my experience). First, it allows you to gain insight into what law firms look for and what the life of a solicitor actually involves.  Secondly, for someone that does not have anyone in the legal field, having a mentor is how you get your foot in the door. Having a personal connection with someone in the industry gives you a unique chance to ask many of those smaller questions you have about life in Law.

How have you benefited from having Rita as your mentor?

I have benefited from having Rita as my mentor in two ways. First it has allowed me to finally get work experience at a law firm which I have previously struggled to get. Rita has also gone above and beyond, helping me improve my CV and my LinkedIn with a perspective on how to improve things in ways that law firms like. Rita has been the best mentor I could ask for.

 

I enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience as a mentor for Bradley and was fortunate to be able to help him achieve his first professional objective by securing him an internship in the Intellectual Property department of my then firm Trowers & Hamlins. I am delighted to see Bradley flourish; he is a hugely motivated and engaged student and was a pleasure to mentor. – Rita Dattani (LLB Law, 1989)

What’s the best piece of advice or feedback you received from Rita?

The best piece of feedback I received from Rita was regarding my CV. Over the course of a week, Rita and I had numerous discussions back and forth about crafting the perfect CV which allowed me to have the best possible CV in terms of content and presentation. This is something I will take with me for the rest of my professional life.

What would you say to other law students thinking about signing-up for the Group Mentoring Programme?

I would encourage anyone who has the time and wants to progress their career to sign up. This opportunity gave me invaluable insight and experience, which I simply would not have been able to obtain without this scheme. I was initially apprehensive given that mentoring schemes are normally not very impactful beyond a LinkedIn connection, however if you get a mentor like the one I had, then your experience will simply be second to none. Tied in with the expertise and links King's had, this has been an experience I would recommend to anyone, especially those without any connections in the legal sector.

 

King's has a range of mentoring opportunities available for students and alumni. To find out how to get involved as either a mentor or mentee, visit our mentoring page.

 

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