MLS Mentor Program

Mentors are professionals who guide and advise mentees in their career paths to help them succeed. A mentor's role is to inspire, encourage, and support their mentees.

REGISTER TO BECOME A MENTOR

This program is facilitated by University staff who will support you and your mentee throughout the program.

Program structure

• The program runs across two semesters ( approx. April - November)
• Participants should meet at least 3 times during the mentoring period
• The frequency of meetings is negotiated between mentor and mentee in the initial meeting
• Students are responsible for the relationship and will initiate the first contact
• Option to extend the relationship beyond the official end of the program

Matching process

Mentors are matched with a JD or MLM student based on the mentor's nominated law area(s) of expertise, gender preference (if any) of mentee, and location. Other factors such as personal hobbies/interests and educational background are also taken into account. Matching occurs in March for the Semester 1 full-time international MLM intake, April for the JD intake, and August for the Semester 2 full-time international MLM intake.

The role of the mentor is to work with the mentee to identify where they need greater insight and understanding. It is through this exchange that students develop a better understanding of the professional world and the ability to make informed decisions on career paths and strategies post–study.

Mentors may engage their mentee with any of the following:

• Discussions on a variety of work/law/career-related matters
• Work shadowing (if appropriate)
• Attend court/meetings with mentee (if appropriate)
• Introduce your mentee to colleagues (if appropriate)
• If mentoring an international student, assist to develop a network of professional contacts in Australia
• Assist with goal-setting and decision-making

"One of the benefits of being a mentor is that it constantly challenges you as to how you do things and why you do them. That self-awareness and self-analysis is invaluable. Having the opportunity to assist the growth and personal development of students is a privilege. I would strongly recommend that others consider being a mentor."

Franz Holzer, Magistrate

REGISTER TO BECOME A MENTEE

The MLS Mentor Program is open to all JD students (each year of their degree) and full-time international MLM students.

To be eligible, students must attend an information session (only need to attend one, even if participating more than once) and apply  by the deadline, the dates of which are widely promoted, well in advance.

There will be one intake per year.

Program structure

• The Program runs across two semesters (approx. April - November)
• Mentors and mentees are expected to meet at least 3 times over the course of the program
• Meetings can take place in person or virtually
• The frequency and length of meetings are negotiable with your mentor
• Participants sign off on a mentoring agreement which outlines your proposed meeting schedule and mentoring goals
• Participants will have the opportunity to meet other mentors and mentees through networking events

The matching process

Mentees are matched with mentors (one per mentoring period of two semesters) based on nominated law area(s) of interest, gender preference (if any) of mentor, and location of mentor. Other factors such as personal hobbies/interests and educational background are also taken into account.

It is expected that all mentees commit to being actively and meaningfully engaged for the duration of the program.

Mentees should set realistic goals when they begin the mentor program, including what they hope to achieve or learn from their mentors. A beneficial and rewarding mentoring relationship is often dependent on a mentee's initiative to engage with their mentor.

Mentee are required to:

• Bring the Mentor Program Agreement to their first meeting to discuss and complete with their mentor
• Initiate communications with their mentor after the match is confirmed, and maintain communication with their mentor for the duration of the mentoring period
• Meet with their mentor three to four times in the mentoring period
• Consider topics of discussion and questions for their mentor before each meeting
• Be punctual to meetings
• Communicate regularly and promptly with their mentor
• Honour all commitments
• Be respectful of their mentoring relationship and communicate in a courteous manner
• Thank their mentor at the end of the mentoring program
• Keep shared information confidential.