Here at CooperBurnett LLP, growing and developing our team is absolutely key. However, law can be stressful, and we always ensure our trainee lawyers have mentors to support them. We also encourage ‘buddying’ which isn’t as structured as mentoring – but makes sure that team members have somebody to turn to when they need a chat or a friendly face.
Seeing this culture of mentoring in action encouraged Iola Cameron, a Trainee Solicitor in our Corporate & Commercial team, to get involved with the University of Law mentorship scheme.
“When I received an email from the University of Law nine months ago regarding needing mentors for their mentorship scheme, I had no hesitation in signing up,” Iola explains. “Throughout my career so far, I have been fortunate enough to have received advice and guidance from those who are further along in their careers. In particular, CooperBurnett places an emphasis on collaboration, and knowing that I can go to anyone for support at work has been invaluable for my development and has highlighted to me the importance of mentoring within the legal profession.”
Iola was assigned Pari Zelin to mentor, a law conversion student at the University of Law.
“Having studied at the University of Law myself for both my Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course, I have been able to impart the knowledge I acquired both as a student at the university and starting my career in law,” explains Iola. “The careers team at the University of Law matched students and mentors together based the similarities in our experiences to date. In our case, Pari and I both studied at the University of Bristol at undergraduate level, where we both read a non-law subject; these commonalities have enabled me to draw on my experiences and offer practical guidance.”
Pari and Iola have caught up regularly throughout the past academic year, enabling them to discuss a broad range of topics that are relevant at this stage of Pari’s career, such as exam technique, interview preparation and networking.
“Pari’s enthusiasm for the profession has made my experience as a mentor very rewarding and I am looking forward to seeing her career in law progress,” says Iola.
Before embarking on her Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) at the University of Law, Pari graduated from the University of Bristol with a First Class Honours degree in French and Spanish. During her studies, she spent a semester at Université Grenoble Alpes and also taught English in Argentina for four months.
"Participating in the University of Law mentorship scheme whilst completing the PGDL has been an invaluable experience,” says Pari. “As a mentor, Iola has been approachable and generous, offering thoughtful advice and sharing insights into both her career and the wider profession.”
Pari adds: “Our regular meetings have given me a real understanding of the pathways into law and provided practical advice on applications and interviews. The scheme has provided a unique opportunity to speak to and learn from someone with first-hand experience in the profession. I am extremely grateful to both Iola and CooperBurnett for their support and guidance, which has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in law.”
