Mentoring for Future Black Lawyers
We’re a progressive UK Top 100 law firm known widely for our technical expertise and inclusive culture. We have a strong focus on Diversity and Inclusion. Because we recognise that increasing diversity will help us nurture the best talent, deliver the best outcomes for our clients, and ensure RWK Goodman is a great place to work.
What to expect from our Thrive Mentoring Programme
As part of our range of diversity initiatives, we’re proud to offer our Thrive Mentoring Programme to support and develop the next generation of talented Black lawyers.
The Programme pairs our legal professionals with students from traditionally under-represented groups, so that every student and graduate can fulfil their potential, regardless of background.
Our mentors
Our mentors are supportive and experienced lawyers. They’ll offer one-to-one impartial guidance, encouraging you to grow, develop and improve your confidence. Preparing you for a future career in law.
You’ll have the opportunity to select your mentor. Together, over a period of six months, you’ll discuss your personal development goals and plan how to achieve them. This programme is fully remote, but there may be opportunities to meet face-to-face.
At the end of the programme, we’ll provide you with a completion certificate to celebrate your achievement. We’ll also invite you to future Training Contract Insights sessions, recruitment workshops, and networking opportunities with other aspiring lawyers from across our programmes.
“The Thrive Mentoring Programme is an excellent opportunity for those from underrepresented backgrounds to find excellent mentors established in the field. My mentor took a thoughtful and personalised approach to mentoring. She showed a genuine interest in my success, not just as a mentee, but as a future professional. She didn’t just provide advice from her own life experiences in navigating her career, but she took the time to understand my aspirations, challenges, and areas I needed extra support.”
“This mentoring experience has been truly transformative in my journey as an aspiring solicitor. From the very beginning, we built a genuine connection, discussing everything from career development and commercial awareness to personal interests and experiences. My mentor shared her insights into working at law firms, the application process, and what it takes to succeed in the legal profession. No question was ever too big or too small, and her advice extended far beyond RWK Goodman. This mentorship and everything I’ve learned from it will stay with me well beyond these six months.”
“Thrive gave me an opportunity to connect with a very experienced Partner who gave me guidance and knowledge in commercial law, essentially giving me an advantage over my peers. I liaised with colleagues and acquired first-hand skills and experiences over the 6 months; through these experiences, I gained confidence and accelerated professional development and motivation. One core value that never changed throughout my experience was RWKG's ‘commitment to you and your success.’ RWK Goodman truly is a firm that strives to make a difference.”
“I have enjoyed the quality mentoring sessions with my mentor. She has showed dedication to be my mentor and, in every session, we had, we discussed relevant topics about my future goals, for example gaining my first full time legal role after having been applying for two years now. I have learnt from her the importance of taking things slow and not being overwhelmed on my current desperation to become a lawyer and instead enjoy the process.”
“Participating in the Thrive Mentor Programme has given me considerable insight into the world of commercial law. My regular meetings with my mentor, Mei, have provided me with the unique opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with a solicitor at the top of her field. Thrive distinguishes itself from other schemes as it connects those at the very beginning of their legal journeys to those at the very top of their careers. Through it, I have not only grown in my professional and technical knowledge but also in my personal development. I have networked with a range of partners across the firm, from Tech to Clinical Negligence. It is truly a mentorship scheme that seeks to see you thrive.
Our programme offers many benefits including:
- Getting industry insight, practical advice, encouragement and support to help you feel empowered.
- Improving your confidence and resilience to help you succeed.
- Sharing experiences to provide a mutual learning opportunity.
- Developing your communication, study and personal skills.
- Building your personal and professional network in preparation for your future career.
How to apply
This programme is open to candidates who are Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British, or of mixed heritage. Candidates must also meet all the relevant following criteria:
- Studying at a UK University at undergraduate (second or final year) or postgraduate level or
- Recently graduated from a UK University (with a minimum 2:2)
- Have an interest in pursuing a legal career in the UK.
- Have not accepted a training contract with any law firm or legal team.
Applications for our Thrive Mentoring Programme will open in mid-October.
Interested in a career with us?
