The refreshed programme runs over six months and forms part of the Law Society’s wider focus on leadership development and high performance across the profession. It brings solicitors together to reflect on career direction, strengthen professional capability and take practical action towards their next steps.

Further details will be provided to successful applicants.

Applications now open

Applications are now open for the next cycle of the Women in Leadership Mentoring Programme.

The programme will include up to 50 mentor–mentee pairs. We will make matches based on participants’ objectives, professional experience, preferences and availability. Where demand exceeds capacity, eligible applicants may be placed on a reserve list.

Why apply?

Becoming a mentee gives you the opportunity to:

• Advance your career through focused mentoring.
• Clarify career goals and identify practical next steps.
• Build confidence in professional and career decisions.
• Develop leadership potential and professional presence.
• Gain perspective from an experienced solicitor.
• Take part in leadership and development activity during the programme.
• Explore future learning and development opportunities across the Law Society.

By becoming a mentor, you can:

• Share your professional experience, perspective and leadership insight.
• Give back to the profession and shape the next generation of women leaders.
• Develop your mentoring, listening and leadership approach.
• Encourage reflection, goal-setting and practical action.
• Reflect on the decisions, transitions and experiences that have shaped your own career.
• Build a purposeful professional relationship with a solicitor developing her next step.
• Contribute to the Law Society’s wider leadership and high-performance agenda.

How the programme works

The programme offers a structured process for both menteers and mentors.

1. Apply as a mentor or mentee by Friday 25 September 2026.
2. We review applications and identify suitable matches using participants’ objectives, experience, preferences and availability.
3. Successful applicants complete onboarding. New participants must complete required self-paced learning before the programme begins.
4. Mentors and mentees attend required online training on 14 October 2026.
5. We confirm mentor–mentee matches and issue programme information.
6. Mentoring begins in late October 2026 and runs as a formal six-month cycle.
7. Participants reflect on progress and future development through interim and end-of-cycle surveys.

Who can apply?

Mentees

Female solicitors who are qualified members of the Law Society may apply to be mentees. Applicants should normally have at least two years’ post-qualification experience. We may consider applications from solicitors with less experience where they demonstrate clear mentoring objectives and readiness to engage fully with the programme.

The programme offers a one-time mentee opportunity.

Mentors

Mentors will normally have at least 10 years’ post-qualification experience and relevant leadership experience. Previous mentoring experience is valuable but not essential.

The programme welcomes mentors from private practice, in-house, public-sector and other legal roles. Mentors may also bring relevant leadership, coaching or professional-development experience.

What participants say

Mentee experiences

Mentor experiences

Applications close on Friday 25 September 2026.

For queries, contact the Women in Leadership Programme Manager at solicitorservices@lawsociety.ie.