Working together to pave the way to a Law career

While completing a doctorate at Cambridge University, OH Folakunmi Pinheiro (Batten, 2014) looked to expand his experience and pave his way to a job at a corporate law firm in London. To guide his next steps, Fola applied to the Haileybury Leaders Mentoring programme and was matched with lawyer, senior manager and Haileybury parent Kirsty Berryman to help support him to achieve his goals.

We caught up with Fola and Kirsty halfway through their mentoring partnership to find out what difference the programme is making to each of them. 

Fola, why did you decide to apply for the Haileybury Leaders programme?

FP: I have done a lot of travelling and realised that I wanted the next stage of my career to involve working in a law firm in the UK. I was feeling a bit out of the loop and wasn’t sure what the demand would be for someone of my skill set. I was hoping to find someone to guide me through the process and potentially assist me with my job applications.

Was the experience what you expected?

FP: Yes absolutely! It has been better than I expected in fact. The structure of the Leaders programme is incredibly useful. Previous mentoring arrangements I’ve been involved with have not been so formalised and so the boundaries were not very clear, which was sometimes difficult. The structure of the Leaders programme is excellent. It is great knowing that my mentor relationship will run for a full year and I know what the plan is for the remainder of our time together. 

How do you feel you’ve benefited from having Kirsty as a mentor?

FP: I think the most significant thing for me has been developing my confidence as I approach applications to law firms. Having worked in academia for a while, I wasn’t sure how that would come across in my job applications. Kirsty has reassured me that someone of my skill set will be in demand. We’ve also worked on public speaking, including how to deal with anxiety, from supplements to breathing techniques. Kirsty shared openly some of her most difficult challenges with public speaking, which has really helped. She has also helped me to navigate relationships and communications with senior figures at law firms and academics in professional contexts.

What difference has the Leaders Mentoring programme made for you?

FP: The Leaders Mentoring programme has given me confidence – I feel much more self-assured. I have valued talking to Kirsty regularly, once a month. When my PhD is 80% complete I will start applying for jobs. Kirsty has already spoken to friends and contacts who have worked in competition law. They have all responded favourably about my job prospects. This has made me feel much stronger at presenting myself at interviews and I have developed the confidence to put myself out there.

What advice would you give to OHs considering applying to the programme?

FP: I would say ‘just go for it!’ You can look forward to having the structure of the programme to help you and not always having to reinvent the wheel! Also, keep an open mind. When I first found out that Kirsty would be my mentor, I was a bit unsure because she had primarily worked in restructuring and insolvency, but not specifically in competition law. But I have learnt so much more from Kirsty than I could ever have expected. I’m really grateful. So, always keep an open mind. 

Kirsty, why did you decide to become a mentor on the Haileybury Leaders programme?

KB: It was a case of great timing! Earlier in my legal career, working in private practice, I was responsible for the development of my team’s trainee lawyers and I really enjoyed providing this support and guidance to young people. Last year I became involved with a mentoring programme at NatWest, supporting young people who are not in full-time education or employment. That experience was challenging but I found it hugely rewarding. When Haileybury contacted me about mentoring, I saw it as a great opportunity to give something back, while also continuing to develop my skills and interests further. 

What have you enjoyed most about mentoring?

KB: The key thing is making a difference in people’s lives. It became apparent quite quickly that I was able to make a difference to my mentees and I could see the benefit of our discussions immediately

I appreciate the importance of creating a safe space for discussion and building relationships based on mutual trust and I am grateful that my mentees have been very open and honest from the start about the challenges they face as well as their successes. 

I learnt that I didn’t always have to have the answers. Sometimes I’ve needed to take questions away and do some research and I’ve often needed to reflect. Sometimes mentees have practical questions about their next steps and I’ve been pleased to help devise a road map with them. At other times help might be needed dealing with a more challenging matter like a working relationship, which has required reflection and empathy. 

I’ve enjoyed being able to share my own experience. If a mentee is dealing with a stressful situation, I’ve been able to say; “I totally get that,” because I’ve actually been there. Working in any law firm, particularly as a junior can be extremely challenging. Navigating the commercial pressures, processes, firm culture, relationships with multiple colleagues as well as the technicalities of the actual work can be really difficult. I have really enjoyed being able to offer guidance and support to my mentees through my own understanding to help them navigate challenging situations and build confidence. 

What do you feel mentoring has given you, personally?

KB: It has given me time to reflect on my own career experience and has brought the realisation that sharing your experience can be really powerful. The programme has helped me fine-tune my communication skills and has also helped me further develop my leadership skills as I’ve been guiding my mentees. I don’t think I realised how much I would get out of it when I signed up, in fact, my concern initially was that I wouldn’t have anything to offer the mentees I was assigned. It’s amazing how much help and support you can provide just through listening, empathising and sharing your own experiences and thoughts. 

Why do you think mentoring is important?

KB: It is becoming a tool that lots of successful companies are engaging with and developing. It allows organisations to really harness the skills of their staff. I think it gives confidence to both mentors and mentees. We are all guilty of overthinking things at times and it can be helpful to unpack our thoughts with a mentor who has been there themselves and can help you reflect. As a mentor you are not a teacher or a parent, you are independent which is key. 

A mentoring programme is a great way to accelerate your career growth and allows you to set goals and overcome obstacles. As a mentor, you are really a sounding board. In the end, you hope your input will help your mentees make the best choices for themselves. Your role is not to tell them what to do but simply to guide and give them the opportunity to reflect so they can make the right choice themselves.