Mentoring in action: supporting the next generation of legal talent

This Social Mobility Day, under the theme 'Stories Matter', we are celebrating colleagues who are helping to create opportunities for the next generation through mentoring.

Through partnerships with organisations including the Social Mobility Foundation and the Sutton Trust, as well as internal programmes, our mentors are sharing their experiences, offering practical advice and helping young people build confidence as they consider careers in law.

For Trainee Solicitor Amy Broadfoot, mentoring at the Sutton Trust is a way of giving others the support she wished she had received when entering the profession.

"I felt a bit lost trying to start my legal career. I didn't know any lawyers and I was the first in my family to go to university."

One conversation in particular has stayed with her. A student attending a social mobility event told Amy they felt fortunate to be there because people "like them" did not usually receive opportunities like that. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, Amy immediately recognised the feeling.

"Just seeing someone who looks like you, sounds like you or comes from your background is proof that these things are possible for all of us."

Katherine Wilde, Director of Knowledge, Learning & Development, believes mentoring is one of the most practical ways to widen access to the profession. One of her proudest moments came when a mentee secured a solicitor apprenticeship.

"It was a real joy to be a small part of her journey."

Reflecting on the wider impact of mentoring, Katherine believes it can help bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity.

"It's one thing to talk about widening access, but mentoring translates that into real support – helping individuals understand pathways, build confidence and feel that they belong."

Katherine's commitment to social mobility extends beyond mentoring. Earlier this year, she completed the London Marathon in support of the Social Mobility Foundation, raising funds to help young people access opportunities and fulfil their potential. Reflecting on the challenge, Katherine said:

"The training over the winter was quite something, but knowing I was doing it for an amazing cause kept me accountable."

Whether through mentoring, fundraising or sharing experiences, our people are helping to create opportunities for the next generation and contribute to a profession that better reflects the communities it serves.

Find out more about Early Careers and our commitment to social mobility at Farrer & Co.