Collaborate, a case-based mentoring scheme

Second six pupils, junior barristers, barristers taking on cases in a new area of law, or even barristers returning from a career break, can all benefit from the knowledge and expertise of senior barristers, whilst senior barristers are able to provide guidance on pro bono cases that they may not have time to fully take on themselves. 

Senior barristers can sign up to offer their skills as an Advocate mentor here. 

Barristers wishing to avail of mentoring can register their interest when they take on a case with Advocate. When you confirm your assistance on an Advocate case, simply mention to our Casework Team that you are interested in receiving mentoring support. Our Team will then introduce you to your mentor via email. 

Read more about the type of support a mentor can give below. 

"The combination of a silk and a young junior suits pro bono cases well and it is a mode of working which I have used before. It provides me with somebody to do groundwork, and I hope that my past experience of cases is educative to the junior, as well as of benefit to the client." Anthony Speaight KC, 4 Pump Court

Being a Collaborate mentor:

There are three ways senior barristers can mentor through Advocate:

• Offer support for case-related queries. This simply requires being on the end of the phone once a month. Advocate will link up a panel member and a mentor when the panel member has a specific query about the pro bono case they are working on with Advocate.
  
  
• Choosing to work on an Advocate case as pro bono co-counsel alongside a junior or young barrister.
  
  
• Mentoring for secondary specialisation. The mentor would work within their specialist area, helping a panel member take on a case in their area of law for the first time.

 
Sign up to be an Advocate mentor here.

How it works:

Unless the senior barrister chooses to work directly on the case alongside the mentee barrister (if so, they would be no different position than that of the barrister they are mentoring):

• The role of an Advocate mentor is purely, if asked, to offer general guidance on issues, procedural rules and practical matters related solely to the case that the mentee is working on. If the mentee is not working on a particular case, but has a general enquiry, mentors may also provide guidance. 
  
  
• At no point would mentors form a barrister-client relationship.
  
  
• Mentors are not giving legal advice to anyone. The mentee will be responsible for the case, but with the benefit of such guidance as a mentor may give. 
  
  
• Senior members of the Bar should not underestimate their potential to add immense value simply by sharing their experiences. Mentoring may also provide renewed personal or professional satisfaction or other career benefits such as providing evidence of leadership for a KC application form.
  
  

Read an account of both sides of the mentor/mentee relationship here.

"Pro bono work has given me an opportunity to bring in junior barristers on bigger cases. Not only does that give them exposure to different kinds of work, but it also gives me an opportunity to practice the skills that come with leading other barristers."
Justin Bates KC, Landmark Chambers