National Mentoring Day provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the positive impact guidance, support and encouragement can have on someone’s career journey. Alongside structured mentoring, we encourage buddying across the firm, creating an environment where colleagues always have someone to turn to for advice or simply a friendly conversation.
Alessandro Lagioia, who joined us in the summer as part of the M-Law paralegal scheme at Kent Law School (University of Kent) is currently based within our Corporate and Commercial team, with Associate Solicitor Molly Mackay, acting as his work buddy.
“She’s been really helpful and it’s great to be able to ask all those silly questions, such as how to format an email,” Alessandro said soon after he joined.
However, our commitment extends beyond our own team, as we are equally passionate about supporting aspiring lawyers, as they take their first steps into the profession.
Solicitor Iola Cameron volunteered for the University of Law mentoring scheme after experiencing first-hand the collaborative culture at CooperBurnett.
“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,” explains Iola. “CooperBurnett places an emphasis on collaboration, and knowing I can go to anyone for support at work has been invaluable and has highlighted to me the importance of mentoring within the legal profession.”
Through the scheme, Iola mentored a law conversion student, offering guidance on everything from exam preparation and networking to applications and interviews. Their shared experiences enabled Iola to provide practical advice and valuable insight into life in the legal profession, while the student also benefited from some mentoring chats with Partner Victoria Sampson.
The student recently secured a role as an Investment Funds Paralegal at an international law firm and wrote to Victoria to share the news and thank her: “I really appreciated you sharing your perspective on the profession and taking the time to give me such thoughtful advice.”
Another aspiring lawyer, who previously completed a work experience placement at CooperBurnett, also recently contacted Victoria to say that, following a vacation scheme at a well-known city law firm, he had been offered a training contract.
He described his time with TeamCB as ‘a formative experience in deciding to pursue law’ and thanked Victoria for giving him the opportunity, adding that he was able to draw on his time at CooperBurnett during both the vacation scheme and training contract interviews.
This National Mentoring Day, we are proud to celebrate everyone across TeamCB who gives their time, experience and encouragement to support others and shape the next generation of lawyers.
