The programme is based on the ‘three cups of coffee’ principle and requires mentors and mentees to meet on at least three separate occasions over a seven-month period.
The programme provides a graduate support network which will encourage and advise on various aspects of the legal profession.
The mentors will offer guidance such as the pathway to qualifying as a solicitor or as a barrister, and guidance on the Blackhall Place and King's Inns entrance exams.
"The Graduate Law Mentorship Programme, now in its third year, is the only such law mentorship programme in Ireland,” Dr Aisling de Paor (pictured) of DCU law school told Gazette.ie.
“Mentees have the opportunity to gain practical advice on CV and job applications, interview planning, as well as on developing strategies on short and long-term career goals.
“For mentors, the programme enables a rewarding experience of giving back, as well as self- reflection on their own career journeys. In addition to the individual benefits, the programme facilitates valuable networking and social opportunities for DCU law graduates.
Success
“The programme has been a fantastic success and we are very proud of all of our graduates who are taking part.
"It was recently announced that DCU has been ranked 19th in the world and 1st in Ireland in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, and we believe that our mentorship programme further enhances and progresses the employability of our graduates in the legal field."
Alternative opportunities
Guidance on alternative employment opportunities and options for law graduates will also be on offer.
This mentorship initiative, which is now in its third year, includes graduates from the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL), Economics, Politics and Law (EPL), Joint Honours (JH) and Masters of Law (LLM) degrees.
DCU’s Moot Court room was the venue for a launch of the 2019-20 programme on 24 September.
Mentorship training and guidelines on the programme were provided, and mentors and mentees met up.
Efforts
The volunteering efforts of the DCU alumni community will be marked in April 2020 with a closing ceremony.
Mentors and mentees will also report on their experience and provide feedback to further enhance the programme.