The legal profession has a rich tradition of mentorship. Most lawyers will have several important mentors over the course of their careers. The Faculty of Law is pleased to participate in this tradition by offering several mentorship opportunities for our current law students.
Peer Mentorship Program (PMP)
The Peer Mentorship Program pairs first year students with upper year mentors. Founded by a group of law students in 2009, the PMP fosters an inclusive community within the law school. Mentors act as a confidential source of guidance on both academic and non-academic matters. In most years, more than 95% of first year students participate in the program.
Find out more about the PMP.
Academic Success Program (ASP)
The Faculty of Law’s Academic Success Program (ASP) provides support and guidance to first-year students who are experiencing academic difficulties or who wish to improve their academic performance.
1L students can book appointments with upper year Academic Advisors who have demonstrated academic excellence in the first year curriculum. Advisors provide free and confidential tutoring assistance to individuals or small groups of students.
To book an appointment please email: academic.support@utoronto.ca
Alumni-Student Mentorship Program
The Alumni-Student Mentorship Program fosters supportive connections between JD students and alumni. Together with their mentor, students explore the legal profession and benefit from alumni's knowledge and experience.
Students should be prepared to meet (in-person or virtually) with their mentor throughout the academic year.
Learn more about the Alumni-Student Mentorship Program.
Benefits of Mentoring
The benefits of being mentored include:
- Gain valuable advice – Mentors can offer valuable insight into what it takes to achieve your goals. They can be your guide and "sounding board" for ideas, helping you decide on the best course of action in difficult situations. You may learn shortcuts that help you avoid "reinventing the wheel."
- Develop your knowledge and skills – Mentors can help you identify the skills and expertise you need to succeed. They may teach you what you need to know, or advise you on where to go for the information you need.
- Improve your communication skills – You may also learn to communicate more effectively, a critical skill in a professional legal environment.
- Learn new perspectives – You can learn new ways of thinking from your mentor, just as your mentor can learn from you.
- Build your network – Your mentor can offer an opportunity to expand your existing network of personal and professional contacts.
- Advance your career – A mentor helps you stay focused and on track in your career development through advice, skills development, networking, and so on.