Officially launched in 2012, the NUS Law Alumni Mentor Programme (LAMP) connects experienced alumni lawyers with existing law students to provide networking opportunities, as well as insight and guidance on career and professional development issues.

Student Mentees are first or second year law undergrads who are seeking guidance, advice and information that will help them make informed choices about diverse legal career paths. The programme was extended to include LLM students in AY18/19, and starting from AY21/22, we have also been delighted to include students from our Juris Doctor cohort.

Alumni Mentors are experienced alumni lawyers, between 3 to 15 years after graduation from NUS Law, who are willing to devote some of their time to help mentor law students. These mentors are established lawyers in their own fields in the legal service, law firms, or in-house legal departments of organizations.

We are also grateful to have on board some non-alumni Mentors, who are also established lawyers in their own fields in law firms and in-house legal departments, and who have volunteered to serve as Mentors for our LLM students.

Mentors and Mentees complete online registration forms that collect personal and professional information. Mentees are then paired with Mentors who have expertise in their declared career interests, as far as possible. You will be notified of your respective Mentor/Mentee(s) prior to LAMP Launch Event.

By registering for LAMP, Mentors and Mentees make a commitment to being active and accountable participants in the mentoring relationship. This means working together to set goals, schedule regular check-ins, and agreeing to communicate openly to share observations and ask for/receive feedback.

Mentees – please note that:

• More information on how to build a great relationship with your Mentor will be shared at an in-person briefing before you are matched to a Mentor. Details of the briefing will be shared with successfully registered Mentees. Prepare ahead by reading this document on ‘Making the Most out of NUS LAMP’.
• Mentor signups are on a voluntary basis, and we are unable to guarantee you that your assigned Mentor will be in your preferred area of practice, but we will try our best.
• Some of our Mentors have careers that have taken them to different jurisdictions and are not physically based here in Singapore.

There will be a Launch Event planned in Semester 1, which we encourage all Mentors and Mentees to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your own Mentor/Mentee(s), and also to network and interact with others.

Mentors and Mentees should try to meet virtually or physically at least once a Semester. Other forms of communication (telephone/Skype chats, email, text or instant message exchanges) can also be used to stay connected during the LAMP period.

This programme is ideal for students who are:

• interested in getting ahead in their career preparation
• exploring options for a fulfilling career
• seeking advice on job-search strategies and/or interviews
• curious about what it takes to succeed in the legal industry
• interested in developing/growing a professional network
• keen to build their personal and professional confidence, and transit smoothly from University to working life

The success of a mentoring relationship is largely dependent on Mentees’ abilities to engage their Mentors. As such, it is important that you understand your role in the programme.

DO:

• Understand the role of a Mentor. A Mentor's role is to share his/her experience and provide information and advice. A Mentor's role is NOT to find you a job, circulate your resume or share his network of personal contacts. A Mentor will help guide you, so you can make choices or take action on your own to work towards your desired career.
• Initiate contact with your Mentor. Determine an appropriate way to stay in touch once the Mentoring relationship has started but be polite, patient and non-intrusive.
• Take an active role. Be proactive, ask questions. Take initiative to do your research before meeting your Mentor. Listen attentively and be open-minded. If your assigned Mentor is unable to attend the LAMP Launch Event, make contact with him/her to arrange a separate date & time to meet or speak, and make the most of your time at the event by connecting with other alumni mentors present.
• Know yourself. Be aware of your strengths, weaknesses, and what you hope to accomplish through LAMP. Share this information openly with your Mentor.
• Be prepared. Come to meetings prepared with topics and questions for discussion.
• Be respectful. Be respectful of your Mentor’s time and schedule. Once you have established contact with your Mentors, consult them on the appropriate frequency and means of keeping in touch.
• Be professional. Dress appropriately (business attire) and always conduct yourself in a professional and mature manner.
• Show your appreciation to your Mentor. Send him/her a thank you note. Share with your Mentor how his/her advice has been of assistance.
• Be dependable, honest and trustworthy. Do not change meeting dates/times and always be on time. Do also respect any confidences shared with you.

As a Mentor, you will be able to:
• Make a difference in the life and career development of another person
• Expand your professional networks, raise your profile and the profile of your organization among
NUS Law students and staff
• Enhance your people skills, including leadership, counselling and communication skills
• Hear fresh perspectives from future members of your profession
• Connect with and contribute to the vibrant NUS Law community

LAMP Mentors will be assigned to mentor 1, or at most 2, student Mentees. As a Mentor, your role is to:

• Be available to meet with your Mentee(s) at least once a semester virtually or in person, if possible. E-mail correspondence could also be a great help.
• Be open about your experiences (be it work, education or life in general) and feel free to share insights, lessons learned and advice with our students. Do also respect any confidences shared in the course of discussions.
• Be there (as far as possible) at planned events (eg. LAMP Launch Event).