Ward Hadaway joins forces with the University of York to mentor the next generation
15th February, 2019
Four new law undergraduates have been selected to take part in this year's mentoring scheme run by the Leeds team at Ward Hadaway and the University of York's Law School.
Mentors and mentees at Ward Hadaway, Leeds.
From left, Elias Vlachogiorgos, Laura Goody, Autumn Bolton, Simon Thirtle, Chloe Smith and Sarah Stockdale.
The Top 100 law firm, which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, has been involved in the joint initiative since 2014, during which it has mentored more than 20 students.
The scheme was set up to focus on the needs of students in the higher education sector. It provides students with access to dedicated mentoring support from qualified lawyers based at Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office.
Four mentors, Simon Thirtle, Laura Gooddy, Richard Noble and Sarah Stockdale, will support the students through their undergraduate studies in law, by providing career advice and share their experiences of the legal profession.
Simon, an associate in the Property Litigation team at Leeds, has been involved in the scheme for the past five years.
He said: “The scheme is always well received by students from the University’s LLB programme, it offers both value and reward for anyone keen to pursue a successful career in law. A number of the students we have mentored over the years come from a background where they are often the first in their family to attend university. Others are keen to pursue a career in the legal profession but are nervous or unsure about how to do this.
“Our aim is to give students the tools and confidence to achieve the next step of their career – it’s great to be able to fulfil our firm commitment to promoting and encouraging the next generation of lawyers.
“Any of the University of York law students can apply to join the scheme by providing us with a CV and covering letter. We then review all applications and select four students each year to be mentored through their studies.”
Ward Hadaway will meet with the four student recruits for 2019 next month, they are Autumn Bolton, Ilias Vlachogiorgos, Chloe Smith and Owen Gibson.
Amongst other matters, the mentors will give the students advice and guidance regarding training contracts and the application processes, helping them to best prepare and increase their chances of success in what is a highly competitive marketplace.
Each of the mentees also has the opportunity to undertake a week’s work experience at the firm, with placements in different departments, offering first-hand insight into the workings of a large, full service, commercial law firm.
As well as the mentoring scheme, Ward Hadaway holds ‘link days’ with the University during which students get the chance to visit the offices for two days to find out what it’s like to work at a law firm.
Chris Wilkinson, Employability Tutor from the University of York’s Law School, added: “The Ward Hadaway mentoring scheme is vital in helping to develop the skills our students need to succeed. The dedication and commitment of the mentoring team at Ward Hadaway is invaluable and helps us greatly in transforming our students’ lives and expectations.”
Ward Hadaway’s Executive Partner for the Leeds office, John Murray said: “We are delighted to play our part in the mentoring scheme. We see it as our job to inspire the next generation of lawyers so they can adapt, collaborate and further the profession.”
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