MENTOR HUB
Thank You
Our mentors are the central to the BASIL Virtual Mentorship Initiative. Your participation is central to BASIL achieving its mission: to affirm, fortify and evolve the long-standing tradition of Black international lawyers, jurists and academics. So much of how we grow in this field comes not from textbooks or formal training, but from the generosity of those who have walked the path before us: the candid advice, the shared experience, the simple reassurance that a career in international law is possible.
By generously volunteering your time and sharing your experience, you help open doors of wisdom, guidance, and possibility for those coming up behind you.
This page brings together everything you need in one place, whether you're already mentoring with us or considering joining.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A BASIL MENTOR
Mentoring takes place in virtual group sessions of up to five mentees, lasting one hour. This format lets you support several people at once, fosters learning in community, and respects the reality that mentors are often asked similar questions allowing you to share your insight meaningfully without the demands of repeated one-on-one meetings.
Group sessions:
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You pre-identify the slots that work for you on the site. Members are then notified of your availability and book on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no matching. Mentees choose the sessions that suit their interests and career interests.
You set your availability:
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Group sessions are just one option. If you'd prefer to share your expertise through panels, webinars, or responses to specific questions, that's welcome too. Just let us know your preference and we'll work with you.
Flexibility in how you contribute:
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To protect privacy and encourage open, candid conversation, group sessions are never recorded. Larger formats, such as themed webinars and panel discussions with a larger audience, may be recorded if BASIL wishes to have a recording of that particular event. In such cases, all participants will be informed in advance.
Group sessions are not recorded:
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Tips for a Great Group Session
There is no perfect formula for a group mentoring session and there doesn't need to be. What matters most is that you come with curiosity, openness, and a readiness to share your experience. With that in place, a few simple things help every session shine:
The most valuable sessions are driven by what your mentees are genuinely curious about. When booking the session with you, mentees will provide 1 or 2 questions which will be shared with you in advance.
There's no need to prepare a formal presentation or come with slides. In fact, the conversations that flow most naturally are often the most memorable.
Let The Mentees' Questions & Curiousity Lead
With up to five mentees in a session, personalities and confidence levels will vary. Some will jump in eagerly; others may hold back. A gentle nudge, "I'd love to hear from those who haven't had a chance yet", ensures everyone leaves having gained something.
Part of the beauty of the group format is that one person's question often unlocks insight for the whole group, so drawing out quieter voices benefits everyone.
Make space for every voice.
Do not feel the pressure to have all the answers or be "perfect." More often than not, what mentees value most is the bigger picture: insights from your own career journey, the lessons you've learned along the way, the missteps and pivots, and your honest reflections on navigating a career in international law.
Sharing your own journey, including the uncertainties, can be far more powerful than any polished advice.
General guidance is golden.
You were invited to mentor because of who you are and what you've experienced not because you fit a particular mould. Your perspective, your authenticity, and your willingness to be candid are exactly what mentees are there for. Simply showing up as yourself and speaking honestly is more than enough. Thank you.
Be yourself.
Stay Connected & Supported
You're not doing this alone. The Konseye team is here to support you throughout your mentoring journey as a BASIL mentor. Whether you have questions, or need resources.
BASIL is also committed to creating opportunities for mentors to connect with one another, share experiences, and exchange best practices.
Reach us anytime using the contact box. We'd love to hear how your sessions are going and how we can support you better.
