Legal Circles Group Mentoring Program

About the program#

The Legal Circles Group Mentoring Program aims to match suitably qualified APS legal mentors with a small group of new or new-to-government lawyers in a formal mentoring relationship.

In group mentoring, a mentor supports the professional development of a group of mentees. The mentor acts as a facilitator, asks questions to identify common issues, ensures discussion is focussed and shares knowledge. Group members can benefit from the experience of others in the group as well as the mentor. While the mentor may discuss matters individually (if required), the primary focus of the program is on contact within group meetings. The mentor will not provide solutions to specific legal problems, day-to-day supervision or specialised human resources support.

The AGLS Professional Development Committee runs the program. There is no cost to participants, but the program relies on the volunteer time of mentors and mentees. Applicants are responsible for gaining any necessary agency approvals to participate in the program, noting that group meetings may be held during business hours.

Acceptance into the program is based on an assessment of the expressions of interest and is at the AGLS Professional Development Committee’s discretion.

They will allocate mentors and mentees based on considerations such as:

  • general availability
  • location
  • agency
  • interest
  • experience
  • expertise
  • potential to benefit from the program.

We will advertise details for all future offerings through the government lawyer contact list.

To make sure you receive information about this program, subscribe or update your contact details on the government lawyer contact list.

Benefits#

Benefits of a group mentoring program include:

  • Professional development – mentees are provided with advice and support in meeting career development goals. The program aims to enhance participants' leadership and management skills in a legal context.
  • Leadership development – mentors learn management and leadership skills at a broader level, beyond day-to-day supervision.
  • Networking – as the mentors and mentees will come from various agencies, the program provides networking opportunities for all participants.

The legal profession has a proud tradition of practitioners supporting each other in the development of their careers. The AGLS seeks to facilitate greater engagement of this nature between Australian Government lawyers through a group mentoring program.

Find out more#

For more information, contact us: