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Mentoring at Haileybury: 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 and senior manager 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.
PhD in Law Candidate, University of Cambridge
Tell me a bit about your legal career so far including your training.
FP: I graduated in Law from the University of Hull in 2017 and went back to Nigeria to qualify as a lawyer. I then completed a Masters in Law and Economics at UCL and returned again to Nigeria to gain experience at a corporate law firm as a trainee. I was able to work in a range of different areas including litigation, arbitration and some competition law. My interest in competition law grew but I wanted to keep my options open and try other things as well. Ultimately I realised that competition law was my passion. I was delighted to then work for the Nigerian Government in the Competition Authority. It was a great experience reviewing mergers and sitting in on investigative meetings. I even got to cross-examine a witness. This inspired me to focus on competition law for my PhD. My studies started with a theoretical focus and then included a detailed study of cases in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically South Africa and Mauritius. My PhD has led me on an incredible journey.
Why should people consider a career in law?
FP: I didn’t actually want to go into law to begin with. My parents are both lawyers so I had an awareness of law and was subtly coerced! Originally I wanted to go into politics or history. I decided on law because it is a practice and gives you a profession to fall back on whatever else you do in life. When I did start studying law, it was so much more interesting than I thought it would be! I valued having a sense of the legal framework within a country. Knowing the boundaries of the law allows you to advise people. You get a sense of the underlying values that underpin a society and the ethical decisions that are made to structure laws. It’s fascinating.
Your interest in competition law comes across. Why does this area of law mean so much to you?
FP: I first discovered my interest in competition law when reading an article online about how Google was fined by the European Commission for abusing its dominant position. I realised that it’s about the role of consumers and the welfare of those consumers. When you determine whether a practice is anti-competitive you’re thinking about consumer welfare and that means a lot to me.
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.
Why do you think having a mentor is important?
FP: It’s important to gain insights from someone who is a bit further ahead in their career and can draw on a wealth of knowledge to advise you. Previously I felt I had to discover everything for myself. It felt like reinventing the wheel. If you can consult with someone before you make decisions and get helpful advice it saves you so much time.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received as a mentee?
FP: ‘Get rid of the self-criticism!’ This has been a useful learning. Particularly in preparation for public speaking, when I have sometimes wondered whether to use bullet notes or full written notes. I’ve learnt from Kirsty that it’s absolutely fine to have written notes to hand when speaking to an audience. Sometimes you just need to know the notes are there and that if you get a bit lost you can always refer to them.
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.
“The Leaders Mentoring programme has given me confidence – I feel much more self-assured.”
What is your next career goal?
FP: I aim to apply to a law firm in London in the area of competition litigation. I find the contentious side of things really interesting. I also enjoy academia so I would like to carry on teaching too. It helps me to think on my feet and makes me a better lawyer. So, a part-time teaching role and a job at a London law firm by the end of next year are the goal!
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.
Qualified Lawyer and Senior Manager, NatWest’s Restructuring Team
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.
Tell me about an aspect of your earlier career or professional experience that has influenced your mentoring approach.
KB: As a trainee solicitor, I recall being regularly under a lot of pressure. I can remember not wanting to show any weakness or lack of understanding as you are constantly being assessed and how hard that feels. These early days were stressful and there were a lot of late nights. Tapping into these memories has helped me to empathise and therefore create a safe space for my mentees, encouraging them to talk about anything including their fears and anxieties. They know there will be no judgement.
You have broad experience in the legal sector having worked in private practice, in-house and as a consultant in the Restructuring and Insolvency arena. Which aspects of legal work have you found most fulfilling?
KB: Wherever I have been working I have always enjoyed the constant challenge of the work. There is always something new to learn. The legal and regulatory landscape is constantly changing, so you have to really keep on top of that. I have never reached a point in my career where I thought “I now know it all!”. The challenges keep coming and I’m always learning, that’s what keeps things interesting.
I have also been extremely lucky throughout my career to work with amazing people. Being part of a supportive team where people can grow and develop is so important. Camaraderie and a solid team ethic are essential, especially when the pressure of the work is mounting.
“The benefits of mentoring are huge. I’ve found the programme an amazing way to give back.”
Tell me about your partnership with your mentee Fola. Do you think it has been a good match?
KB: It has been a brilliant match. He is an extremely talented young man and has already achieved so much in terms of his qualifications and experience. Becoming UK qualified will be the final string to Fola’s bow. I have been pleased to offer guidance on his next steps towards getting that qualification and helping him to navigate challenges. I will be able to share with Fola some of my contacts within the legal world who will be able to offer him further guidance on his specific area of law, which I hope will help him make important choices in the future.
What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the programme as mentors?
KB: Just do it! The benefits of mentoring are huge. I’ve found the programme an amazing way to give back. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on your own career, what you’ve achieved and where you might want to go with it.
What do you think are the most important qualities to have as a mentor?
KB: You need to be able to support, guide and inspire your mentee. Empathy is key because it allows you to connect on a deeper level. Offering compassionate support and being a good listener is important. I’ve become a better listener through the programme. Having experience and relevant knowledge is of course important too as without this you can’t give insights. You need to be open-minded as there could be really different perspectives between mentor and mentee. Sometimes you may need to take a step back if you’re surprised by the way things go. Ultimately, you need to want to make a difference in someone’s life.
