Legal Mentorship Programs

Our programs view mentorship as a process which allow both mentor and mentee the opportunity for growth and development.

Mentors share their knowledge and expertise with students. They provide guidance to them while mentees enhance both their professional development and understanding of the legal practice.
Students move beyond the classroom by connecting with lawyers and members of the legal profession in both formal and informal environments. Through mentorship, they benefit immensely from the insights and experiences of their mentors.

Our programs' goal is to provide a rich and rewarding mentorship experience while being responsive to individual scheduling needs. While we recommend mentors and mentees set aside a minimum two hours a month, we leave the scheduling in the hands of participants.

Working together, both mentor and mentee develop a tailored mentorship style that meets their needs. Lawyers who have participated in mentorship in the past have described it as an extremely rewarding experience.

JurisMentor Program

As a response to the changing demographic and needs of our students, the Career Development Centre at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law (Common Law Section) launched the JurisMentor Program, an episodic mentorship program for law students. The program’s predecessor, Legal Links and Bridges, has been one of the most developed mentoring programs in the country since its launch in 1997. The program pairs law students with members of the legal community, providing students with the opportunity to connect with lawyers with similar legal and non-legal interests.

For more information, please contact the JurisMentor program coordinator.

Coordinator, JurisMentor
[email protected]

Criminal Law Courthouse Mentorship Program

This informal mentorship opportunity was spearheaded by Justice David Paciocco. The program pairs students interested in Criminal law with a Justice, a Crown Attorney, or a Defence Lawyer at the 161 Elgin Street Courthouse. In addition to a wonderful networking opportunity, students can gain a better understanding of the practical aspects of these challenging and interesting professions.

For more information, please contact the Criminal Law Courthouse Mentorship program coordinator.

Coordinator, Criminal Law Courthouse Mentorship Program
[email protected]

Family Law Mentorship Program

This mentorship program, started in 2026, pairs students interested in Family law with a Justice or Family lawyer. In addition to a wonderful networking opportunity, students can gain a better understanding of the practical aspects of these challenging and interesting professions.

For more information, please contact the Family Law Mentorship program coordinator.

Coordinator, Family Law Mentorship Program
[email protected]

How to participate in the Mentorship Programs:

Complete and submit an application formfor the Mentorship Programs.
Attend a mandatory training/information session.

A group training session for the Mentorship Programs is held at the beginning of the fall term. This session will be listed under the “Events” tab on The Source. Students who wish to attend should electronically register through The Source.
Students unable to attend the pre-scheduled, group training session must attend an alternative training by booking an appointment with the Mentorship Program Coordinator, Laura Parodi, through The Source.

For students interested in being mentored by a Justice, submit a cover letter and resume expressing your interest in the applicable mentorship program and why you want to be paired with a judge. Applications should be addressed to Laura Parodi, Mentorship Program Coordinator.

For the Criminal Law Courthouse Mentorship Program, send them to [email protected]
For the Family Law Mentorship Program, send them to [email protected]

Mentorship Testimonials

Nada Ibrahim, English Common Law

"Being a mentee at a local firm was the highlight of 1L. The preconceived notions of the legal system that I had were consistently challenged. There were so many opportunities for both personal and professional growth that I wouldn’t have had otherwise."

Mykhailo Kozhukhar, English Common Law

"Through CLCMP I got direct exposure to the practical side of criminal law even before my 1L summer. The guidance provided by my mentor allowed me to have more accurate expectations and perceptions of the field of criminal law"

Martin Low, Retired Lawyer

"This is my third year of being a mentor, for four students in all. I have been impressed by each of my mentees, especially their practicality, common sense, curiosity, initiative and general legal ability. I had not expected that and it is to their credit and the Faculty of Law’s. It is a great program and I am happy to be able to share ideas with such talented young lawyers-to-be."

Tom Ullyett, Former Deputy Attorney General, Yukon Department of Justice

"Most of us have had mentors in our careers both formal and informal. In my view, the very least we as Common Law graduates and lawyers can do is to pass on the gift of mentorship to those who haven't yet entered the legal profession such as U of O law students."

Kathleen Childs, Legal Counsel, Export Development Canada

"The Juris Mentor program has allowed me to connect with the future of the legal community. I have been very impressed by the students I've met through this program. If you're thinking about becoming a mentor, don't hesitate! It is a rewarding experience."