At Stephensons, we are committed to supporting the next generation of legal professionals through meaningful educational partnerships. One of the ways we do this is through our ongoing mentoring programme with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), which connects students with experienced professionals from across our firm.
We currently have 14 mentors supporting students through the programme, helping aspiring legal professionals gain valuable insight into the legal sector and providing guidance as they explore future career opportunities.
The mentoring scheme gives students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals working across a range of legal disciplines. Supported by guidance from Manchester Met. University, our mentors work closely with their mentees to provide tailored advice and support based on their individual career goals and aspirations.
Through regular meetings and ongoing discussions, our mentors have supported students with CV development, career pathways, job applications and interview preparation. The programme can also create valuable real world learning opportunities, with one of our mentors recently arranging for their mentee to attend the Magistrates' Court and gain first hand insight into the justice system.
Over the last academic year, Stephensons' mentors have supported 14 Manchester Metropolitan University students as they take the next steps in their academic and professional journeys. Through tailored advice, career guidance and practical support, the programme helps students build confidence and develop the skills needed to pursue a career in law.
By sharing their knowledge, experience and practical advice, our mentors are helping students develop the confidence, skills and understanding needed as they take the next steps towards a career in law.
The mentoring programme provides significant benefits not only for students, but also for our colleagues and the firm as a whole. By taking part, mentors have the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as coaching, communication, leadership and relationship building, while sharing their knowledge and experience with aspiring legal professionals.
The programme also strengthens our relationships with educational institutions, supporting our wider commitment to engaging with schools, colleges and universities. Through initiatives such as the Manchester Met. University mentoring programme, we can help inspire future talent while maintaining strong links with the communities and educational partners we work alongside.
Comment from a Stephensons mentor
"Taking part in the Manchester Met. University mentoring programme has been a rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to support aspiring legal professionals as they begin planning their future careers and to share practical insights into working in the legal sector. Seeing a student grow in confidence, develop their understanding of the profession and take positive steps towards their goals makes the experience incredibly worthwhile. The programme is a fantastic way to support and encourage the next generation of legal talent.” – Amy Jones
Comment from Manchester Metropolitan University
“The impact of mentoring is clear. Students who engage with mentoring consistently report:
- Increased confidence in pursuing their career goals
- Greater understanding of professional pathways and opportunities
- Enhanced career readiness and employability skills
- Stronger sense of belonging within their chosen profession
This impact is reflected in graduate outcomes. 79.2% of mentored students achieved a positive graduate outcome, compared with the university average of 75.2%. At the same time, the reach of mentoring has expanded significantly, with the number of mentored students achieving positive graduate outcomes increasing year on year.
Beyond the statistics, mentoring changes lives. Students regularly credit mentors with helping them secure placements, internships, training contracts and graduate roles. Just as importantly, mentors provide encouragement, insight and reassurance that make career aspirations feel achievable.
For organisations such as Stephensons Solicitors, a mentoring partnership with Manchester Met offers an opportunity to support the next generation of legal professionals, widen access to the profession, strengthen social mobility, and identify talented students while making a meaningful difference to their future success.”