Another successful year for Durham University Student Bar Society’s Mentorship Scheme and launch of the 2026-27 Mentoring Scheme
As its Mentorship Scheme enters its 5th year, Durham University Student Bar Society would like to thank all of those mentors who have given their time to supporting its members in the last academic year, and to invite others who are able to sign up as mentors for the 2026-27 academic year.
Note: the sign up link for the 2026-27 scheme is below.
Thank you for supporting the 2025-26 scheme
The past academic year, in an expansion doubling previous figures, over 60 students were selected and put into contact with esteemed legal professionals who gave their time and supported their mentees through applications, career guidance and knowledge of life at the Bar.
Of the society’s 250+ members, students who submit applications are selected on the basis of their dedication, responsibility, initiative and enthusiasm.
Those who demonstrate these qualities and a commitment to pursuing a career at the Bar are matched with a mentor who shares their legal interests.
Interaction over the year will be largely through email, but through the initiative of our members and the dedication of our mentors the relationship has often become an in-person connection.
Mentors are in communication with a Bar Society member from November through to July of the academic year, though many connections continue long after that period.
Mentee Sophie Lionnett said of the 2025-26 scheme:
'I would like to extend my gratitude to my mentor Jack Nicholls for the support and advice he has given me throughout this year. Not only has his feedback helped me land a mini pupillage, but the time he has taken to guide me on a potential career in PI and Clin Neg will be invaluable [...]'
‘...the scheme has shaped my progression, and offered opportunities that I could not be more thankful for. I would highly recommend participation to any other aspiring barristers.’
The Bar Society would like to express deep gratitude to all those mentors involved in the 2025-26 scheme for all the time and effort they have dedicated to supporting our members.
It would also like to thank the Durham Law School Alumni Association for publicising the 2025-26 scheme to its members which led to significant increase in the number of mentors signing up to the scheme.
Launch of the 2026-27 Mentorship Scheme
If you are interested in joining the scheme this year, please sign up here. We are incredibly grateful to anyone willing to give their time and expertise to develop the aspirations of our members.
This is an opportunity for legal professionals to share their experience and knowledge with a new generation of those aspiring to the Bar.
The Dean of Durham Law School, Professor Volker Roeben added:
'I would like to congratulate the Bar Society for all of their hard work in organising this mentoring scheme and to thank all of the mentors who so generously gave their time and expertise in the 2025-26 academic year in supporting the University’s students who aspire to a career at the Bar.'
Notes:
More about the Durham Student Bar Society is here
More about Durham Law School is here
More about Durham Law School Alumni Association here