A LAWYER at Dickinson Dees has won a national award for her role in mentoring Northumbria University law student Rishi Kohli.

Linda Walker, head of public law and corporate governance at Dickinson Dees, won the Mentor of the Year Award for Northumbria University and Kohli won Mentee of the Year at the National Mentoring Consortium’s (NMC) awards ceremony in London .

Supported by the CBI, the NMC is a spin-off organisation from the University of East London that aims to promote equality and diversity in graduate recruitment and enhance the employability of black, Asian and minority ethnic students with mentoring schemes for undergraduates.

The programme is coordinated in this region by the Northumbria University Careers and Employment Team, who work in partnership with the NMC.

Walker was responsible for building a relationship with her mentee to provide him with personal development opportunities.

By drawing up a learning contract to set out the objectives of the scheme and how Rishi could achieve them, she was able to help him to develop skills such as communication, time management and self confidence, that would prepare him for entry into the world of work.

Kohli said: “Linda worked hard to support me throughout the mentoring scheme, providing me with invaluable help on my CV and with interview skills to help me stand out from the crowd when I apply for my legal training contract.

“I would definitely recommend the scheme because you cannot underestimate the knowledge that your mentor has. The practical advice and support that Linda has given me has enhanced the learning and teaching experience from Northumbria University , so the scheme is invaluable to prepare students for entry into the world of work.”

Walker said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Rishi that he received the Mentee of the Year award. He was such a pleasure to work with – a real credit to the university, and it was extremely satisfying to witness his progression over the time we worked together.”