Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology

Peer Mentoring for Law and Criminology First-Year Students

Maynooth University's Peer Mentoring Programme is back for its second year! This exciting initiative supports first-year students in the School of Law and Criminology as they transition into university life, with peer-led guidance, connection, and encouragement.

 
What is the Peer Mentoring Programme?

Running for four weeks every Wednesday in October, this programme offers weekly lunchtime group sessions, where 10–12 mentees are matched with two trained student mentors. Sessions will take place in the beautiful Pugin Hall on South Campus, and a free lunch will be provided each week.

 
Who are the Mentors?

Mentors are current students from the LLB, BCL, or Arts programmes, who have successfully completed their first year studying Law and Criminology. They’re here to share their experience, answer your questions, and help you make the most of your first semester.

 
Why Join?

This is a great opportunity to:

• Connect with fellow Law and Criminology students
• Get insider tips on navigating lectures, tutorials, reading lists, and campus life
• Discover university support services
• Build a sense of community and belonging in your School
• Enjoy a free lunch in a relaxed, welcoming environment!     

Whether you’re adjusting to new routines, tackling coursework, or just looking to meet people – this programme is for you.

Key Information

• Duration: 4 weeks every Wednesday in October (lunchtime sessions)
• Location: Pugin Hall, South Campus
• Free lunch provided
• Apply by: Wednesday, 24th September 2025, 5 PM
• Apply here: click here for application form

 Spaces are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
 

Programme Team

The Programme Coordinators from the School of Law and Criminology are Dr Joe Garrihy and Dr Elaine Burroughs and the Peer Support Project Officer is Marie Therese Ward. This programme runs in partnership with the MU THRIVE initiative ( Eddie Corr) and MU Healthy Campus (Orlagh Eustace). 
 

Questions?

If you have any questions or accessibility needs, feel free to contact:
[email protected]

Dentons Legal Insights Programme 2025/26
In partnership with Dentons Dublin and Maynooth University
 
We are delighted to announce the continuation of the Dentons Legal Insights Programme, a mentoring initiative developed in partnership with Dentons Dublin and the School of Law and Criminology at Maynooth University. Following the success of the 2024/25 pilot, this programme returns for the 2025/26 academic year, offering a unique opportunity for high-achieving students to gain valuable insight into the legal profession.
 
Who is this for?
The programme is open to second-year Law and Criminology students who are also registered with the Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP). It is particularly suited for students interested in pursuing a career as a solicitor and seeking guidance on securing legal work experience, such as summer internships or year-long placements.
 
Programme Highlights
Mentoring and Legal Insights:

• 2–3 one-on-one mentoring sessions with associates or partners from Dentons
• Practical, career-focused conversations about the legal profession

Professional Development Events:

• On-site events at Dentons Dublin, including masterclasses and workshops
• Mock interviews and placement preparation sessions
• Access to the Dentons Next Talent Online Network: Next Talent Platform

Recognition:
Participation in this programme can be used to apply for the Silver Level MUSE Award.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a second-year student in the Law and Criminology programme
• Must be registered with the MAP Office

 
How to Apply
Applications will open in early Autumn 2025.
Details on the application form and deadline will be shared via email and the School of Law and Criminology website closer to the date.
 
For queries, please contact:
Dr. Elaine Burroughs (Programme Lead)
External Relations Manager
[email protected]

Pinsent Masons Insight Exchange Programme
Applications Now Open for 2025–2026
 
Maynooth University’s School of Law and Criminology, in partnership with the Careers and Employability Service, is delighted to launch the Pinsent Masons Insight Exchange Programme — a unique pilot initiative connecting high-performing students with legal professionals from one of the world’s leading international law firms.
 
What is the Insight Exchange Programme?
This competitive mentoring initiative pairs 6 year two undergraduate students from the School of Law and Criminology with associates/partners from Pinsent Masons LLP, a globally recognised law firm with a strong presence in Dublin.
 
Running from September to December 2025, the programme offers valuable insights into the world of commercial law through:

• One-to-one mentoring sessions (virtual or in-person)
• A site visit to the Pinsent Masons Dublin office
• Career guidance and application support for internships and legal career pathways 

Why Take Part?
Participants will benefit from:

• Direct exposure to the work and culture of a major international law firm
• Tailored mentoring focused on professional development, legal career planning, and interview preparation
• Access to student supports, including an MU online workbook, “Shortlist Me” interview platform, and Pinsent Masons' virtual work experience tools
• Recognition, including eligibility for the Silver Level MUSE Award and a Certificate of Completion 

Key Details

• Duration: September – December 2025 (Semester 1)
• Time Commitment: ~8–10 hours total
• Mentoring Sessions: Four sessions (1–1.5 hours each)
• Format: Virtual or in-person, depending on mentor/mentee preference
• Information Session: Held on campus (16 or 17 September 2025, TBC), followed by an onsite visit to Pinsent Masons Dublin 

Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:

• Be a full-time Year 2 undergraduate student in the School of Law and Criminology (2025/26)
• Have achieved at least a 2.1 average in Year 1
• Show strong engagement and motivation in your studies
• Complete the online application form 

How to Apply

Deadline: 12 noon (Irish Standard Time), 11 August 2025
Submit your application via the online application form
Full details are available on the criteria here (link will be included here first week in July)
 
For more information, please contact:
Dr Elaine Burroughs, External Relations Manager, School of Law and Criminology, [email protected]