Linklaters has launched a new initiative that flips that traditional mentoring model on its head.
The reverse mentoring effort, which is part of the firm’s diversity and inclusion program, will involve junior mentors sharing their perspectives and experiences to more senior mentees. The program gives senior leaders of the firm an opportunity to build awareness and widen their understanding of issues that may not be immediately apparent to them.
“We place great importance on developing a better and mutual understanding of differences in cultures, values, motivations and skills of our people and so we’re excited by this initiative,” said Fiona Hobbs, Linklaters’ global diversity and inclusion partner.
“We know that if you want to learn something, you need to explore new ideas and new ways of working. Reverse mentoring is just one way we can do that. We hope that it will be a two-way street, which will hopefully add invaluable perspective for both sides of the relationship, helping our senior leaders drive stronger impact and give tomorrow’s leaders the chance to shape how our firm looks,” she said.
First to be mentored will be the firm’s partnership board. If the pilot is successful, it will be expanded to other areas of the firm.
The firm is already accepting applications for junior mentor roles, as well as submissions from lawyers and business team members worldwide. Linklaters said it particularly wants submissions from under-represented groups within the firm.
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