Thank you for your interest in the UQ Law Mentor Program.

The following information is offered as a guide only. You are encouraged to negotiate your own arrangements with your student/s. It is important that both of you understand the requirements and expectations of the other.

As soon as you have been given your student’s name and contact details you should contact them and arrange to meet in order to decide how the mentorship will proceed.

What kind of guidance am I expected to provide?

The expectation is that you will draw upon your experience as a former law student and as a legal professional to guide the student on their journey through law school.

Specifically, you may be asked to provide guidance and support in the following areas:

• Developing effective study techniques
• Applying legal knowledge to practical situations
• Choosing electives and specialties in law
• Participating in appropriate extra-curricular activities
• Balancing study, work and leisure
• Dealing with lack of motivation
• Choosing a career path
• Transitioning from law student to legal professional
• Networking with other legal professionals
• Locating job opportunities
• Deciding to continue with postgraduate study

Of course, you are not expected to be a professional counsellor, a therapist or a parent; you are not expected to give or even find your student/s a job; and you are not expected to do their work for them.

What can I expect from my student/s?

You are entitled to expect the following:

• That your student/s will demonstrate courtesy and respect in their dealings with you.
• That your student/s will respect your privacy by refraining from disclosing to others without your consent confidential information about you.
• That your student/s will respect the fact that you are a busy professional who may not have the ability or the time to give guidance and support whenever they ask for it.
• That if your student/s makes an appointment with you they will keep that appointment and will show up on time, or they will give you adequate notice that they will be late or unable to attend.

How often should I meet with my student/s?

You may decide to meet weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or as required by your student/s.

It is up to you and your student/s to decide whether you meet in person, by telephone, or by email.

If you are willing to permit your student/s to contact you between scheduled meetings for additional guidance, you should make it clear to your student/s how and when it is appropriate for them to do this.

Continuing the cycle

The UQ Law Mentor Program can only succeed and grow if those who benefit from the Program choose to help with the Program.

It is therefore important that you:

• encourage your student/s to become a member of the UQ Law Graduates Association upon graduation;
• encourage your student/s to become a Mentor in the UQ Law Mentor Program upon graduation; and
• encourage other legal professionals to become Mentors in the Mentor Program.

We welcome your feedback on the UQ Law Mentor Program and how it might be improved.

If you have any queries or concerns, please email: mentor@law.uq.edu.au.

Please return to the mentor website to register your interest in becoming a Mentor.