Exchange Chambers launches its largest ever mentoring scheme

June 4, 2025

As part of its ongoing commitment to inspire people from all backgrounds to pursue a career in the law, Exchange Chambers has launched its largest ever mentoring scheme.

Over the next 12 months, a record 29-barristers from Exchange Chambers in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds will act as mentors to students and young people who might otherwise lack access to the legal profession.

Exchange’s new mentoring scheme started last month with an interactive discussion, led by barrister Stella Hayden, on assisted dying and the proposed legislation currently making its way through parliament.

“I was hugely impressed with how our new mentees contributed to this discussion,” said Stella.

“Developing arguments is an important part of life as a lawyer and the group stepped up and shared their views.”

Over the next 12-months, Exchange’s 29-barrister mentors will provide one-to-one sessions, with mentees also having the opportunity to attend court and see how barristers conduct trials and cross-examine witnesses.   The 2025 programme builds on the success of Exchange’s previous mentoring schemes and includes skills sessions based around creating confidence in a professional environment including public speaking and interview advice.

Added Stella:

“By providing students with a dedicated point of contact within the profession we hope to forge links and establish connections, encouraging aspiration and dispelling any sense that a career in the law is out of reach. As mentors, we will use our experience to advise on career paths and decisions.”

Jonathan I’Anson, Chief Executive at Exchange, reiterated Chambers’ commitment to inspiring people from all backgrounds to pursue a career in the law.

“We are really proud to launch our new mentoring scheme,” said Jonathan.

“At Exchange, we believe in achieving equality in representation within the legal profession. We believe that how far you go in life should be based on your talent and how hard you work and nothing else. We want the composition of Chambers to reflect the community we represent and to break down any barriers that stand in the way of an able applicant.”

Concluded Jonathan:

“I would like to thank all our barrister mentors who are putting their time, commitment and energy into this important initiative. They’re a credit to the profession.”