Is getting a legal mentor a good idea for LL.M. students, and if so, when should they seek one? The answer is a strong yes, according to law schools, and sooner rather than later.
In a nutshell: mentorship offers LL.M. students a bridge between their legal experience and the new academic environment they find themselves in. A legal mentor can help contextualize the differences in legal systems, guide students through the nuances of local laws, and provide insight into the legal market in the country where the student is pursuing their LL.M.
Furthermore, mentorship offers tailored career advice that is helpful for LL.M. students, many of whom have diverse professional goals. Whether they’re aiming to transition into a new field of law, secure a position in an international law firm, or return to their home country, a mentor can provide direction.
Moreover, mentorship can play a big role in professional development. For many LL.M. candidates, particularly those from non-common law countries, understanding the expectations in American legal practice — or in other common law jurisdictions — can be a steep learning curve. Mentors can offer insight into the subtle yet critical professional behaviors that can distinguish a candidate in a competitive market.
And, beyond the technical aspects of law, mentors help students refine their communication and negotiation skills, to develop a deeper understanding of how to present themselves in a professional setting.
Tapping into mentorship opportunities
Little wonder then that many law schools have set up formal mentorship programs for their LL.M. candidates. For instance, the Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) at NUS Faculty of Law in Singapore fosters networking with alumni and co-ordinates the Law Alumni Mentor Programme (LAMP), which links LL.M. students with alumni, who can provide insights and guidance to the practice of law.
“With opportunities for close contact with industry partners, our students are able to build a strategic network that supports their personal and professional growth,” explains Arif Jamal, vice-dean for graduate studies at NUS Law.
CFG also runs conNectUS, which is an exclusive professional networking platform for the NUS community to connect with one another beyond the campus. To date the platform has over 10,000 students and alumni, many of whom use it for networking.
“Students can plug into this community to connect and network with other students and alumni to share perspectives, gain insights and advice on their careers,” Jamal says.
Perhaps an even bigger benefit to mentoring is the emotional support. LL.M. programs are often intense. Having a mentor who understands these pressures and can offer encouragement can alleviate some of the stress. This relationship can also help build confidence, as mentors often serve as sounding boards for ideas, career plans and even personal challenges.
The timing of when to seek mentorship is a crucial consideration for LL.M. students. Ideally, they should begin seeking mentorship as early as possible, even before their program starts. This early connection can help students get their bearings, especially in terms of selecting courses, understanding the academic expectations of their program, and beginning to establish a professional network.
Once the program begins, mentorship becomes even more vital as LL.M. students begin studying and pursuing job opportunities. Even after graduation, mentorship continues to be beneficial. For LL.M. graduates re-entering the job market, mentors can offer ongoing support, from helping with job searches to providing advice on long-term career development.
The relationship often evolves into one of professional colleagues, where the mentor continues to be a resource throughout the mentee’s career.
Tips & tricks for finding a mentor
Anh Hoang Tran completed her LL.M. degree, focused on international commercial law, at the University of Bristol Law School, in the UK. She made good use of the Professional Liaison Network (PLN) Mentoring Scheme, which matches students at the law school with professionals who have studied their subject.
The Professional Liaison Network (PLN) Mentoring Scheme matches students in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law with alumni. “My mentor actually studied the same program that I did, so he was able to give me a lot of tips. I was able to bounce ideas off him,” says Tran.
“The main thing I gained from the experience was the chance to network, to know someone who is working in your field is very precious,” she adds.
Finding the right mentor can be tricky. LL.M. students can seek mentors through formal programs offered by their law schools or through professional organizations and bar associations. Networking at events, reaching out to alumni, or even connecting with professors can also lead to valuable mentorship relationships. The key is to approach mentorship with respect and professionalism, understanding that the relationship should be mutually beneficial.
