Mentoring
Mentoring with PLW
We believe that mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Our program is designed to provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help you achieve your goals.
The Scheme is open to prospective mentees over the age of 18 who either work in Public Law or aspire to do so. It is expected that prospective mentors will already have an established career in Public Law, but this will be considered on a case by case basis. Regular meetings and check-ins can help to identify areas for improvement and provide opportunities for growth and to develop your career.
Testimonies
University Student, Aberystwyth University
“I would highly recommend the scheme to anyone, even if they're unsure whether a career in public law is what they want. It has just been a confidence boost to have a one-on-one mentor who will advise but also encourage you along side the support that the university and our department already offer.”
PhD Student, Swansea University
"The Public Law Wales mentoring scheme has been instrumental in supporting my journey into the legal profession."
Testimonies from students who have benefited from our program
For over 10 years now, I’ve specialised in police law, advising and appearing for people bringing civil claims against the police. I’ve been involved in the wider public law scene. I’ve given evidence more than once to a Senedd committee on devolution. I drafted part of the Welsh Circuit’s submissions to the Thomas commission, and was one of the authors of a pamphlet that “inspired” the title of the Thomas commission’s report. But my practice probably isn’t what students think of, when they think public law.
But police law is public law. Sometimes the cause of action is one that can only be committed by a public authority – Misfeasance in Public Office, claims under the Human Rights Act. More often, the law differs according to whether the (alleged, I suppose I should say) wrongdoer is a public officer: think of the powers that police constables enjoy, that the rest of us do not. But in the minds of many – including some lawyers – public law means judicial review (which is only a small part of my practice). And in Wales, policing is not devolved, so devolution law, sadly, doesn’t feature much.
For those reasons, I was concerned that I might not be the right fit a student looking for a Public Law Wales mentor. Persuaded that even a less-than-ideal mentor was better than none, I went ahead. I’m glad I did.
My mentee was a local student. We met up regularly, and I at least always came away from our meetings stimulated and encouraged. I was able to give help with things like applications, to be a sounding board for ideas, and to impart some advocacy tips that he’ll hopefully find useful when he starts pupillage. I took some vicarious pride in the fact that he obtained pupillage to start straight after his bar course – evidence that any harm my mentoring did was limited.
But the best mentoring isn’t just about help with applications, useful though that can be. It’s about meeting someone who is like-minded – but not too much. Someone who’s travelled one path, but knows that there are others which the mentee might prefer, and can offer some guidance on those. Someone who will be a friend as the mentee progresses in their career.
So, fellow members of Public Law Wales, please do step up to mentor. And students, please do ask for a mentor.
David Hughes, Mentor