Mentoring programs for senior and junior in-house counsels
Through our membership with ECLA, AFJE is pleased to offer you the opportunity to access exclusive mentoring programmes.
What is the ECLA mentoring program connects? It's a program destined to senior and junior in-house counsels across Europe to promote cross-border knowledge sharing and skill development. By pairing members across different industries and legal systems, the program provides an independent, neutral environment where participants can discuss career challenges, refine managerial skills, and gain fresh perspectives free from internal company dynamics.
Mentor requirements
To become a mentor, applicants must:
- be member of an ECLA member association (participation is open for AFJE members);
- be over 40 years of age, with at least 15 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial in-house legal role; or, if under 40, have previously participated in the ECLA mentoring program as a mentee and currently hold a managerial in-house legal role;
- demonstrate an empathetic and professional attitude, with strong interpersonal skills (listening, analytical and advisory abilities) and effective communication; provide realistic and constructive feedback, show optimism, and encourage mentees to take on responsibilities; ensure confidentiality and respect for the mentee’s position and emotions. Prior mentoring experience is considered an advantage.
Mentee requirements
To become a mentee, applicants must:
- be member of an ECLA member association (participation is open for AFJE members);
- be under 40 years of age or have fewer than 5 years’ experience in a managerial in-house legal role, with a maximum of 15 years’ overall experience as an in-house lawyer;
- be committed to active participation in the program, engaging in open and confidential communication with their Mentor, contributing constructively to the definition of realistic objectives, and working towards achieving them with reliability throughout the mentoring relationship.
Program information
Language: English
Format: remote (online meetings), with optional in-person meetings
Duration: 12 months (January–December 2027)
Recommended commitment: minimum 6 meetings in one year. Ideally try to plan one per month to grant the minimum and to tend to have more: up to 10/12 meetings in one year.
Key dates
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
Matching notification: by 21 December 2026
Kick-off meeting: on 11 January 2027
If you would like to participate, please register below as either a mentor or a mentee: ECLA Mentoring – ECLA
