Together with the ESIL Board, the ESIL Early-Career Network Co-ordinating Committee invites expressions of interest to participate in the next edition of the ESIL Early-Career Mentoring Program from November 2025 to July 2026. The questionnaire collects nominations for both mentors and mentees (both should be ESIL members at the time the programme starts).

The ESIL Early-Career Mentoring Program aims to support the next generation of international lawyers in two crucial phases of career-building, corresponding to two tracks:

1. Starting-out track 

• Mentees are incoming PhD candidate or in the first year(s) of a PhD programme;

• Mentors are advanced PhD candidates (final years) and postdoctoral researchers.

2. Building-on track 

• Mentees are in the final year(s) of their PhD or in the first year after submission; *

• Mentors are established academics or international law professionals.

The programme will run for an academic year and a minimum of 4 online meetings are encouraged. Mentors will be matched with a small group of mentees by the Coordinating Committee. The Committee will also provide a list of potential topics for mentors and general guidelines for mentors and mentees to clarify expectations, roles, and limits. 

Expressions of interest to participate in the Early-Career Mentoring Program will be accepted until 27 October. The ESIL Early-Career Network Co-ordinating Committee will contact all those interested in November.

ECRs from disadvantaged backgrounds or marginalised communities, who encounter additional barriers to accessing support, will be prioritised in the selection process. We recognise that mentorship is a vital yet frequently under-appreciated service to the Society and the broader community. In collaboration with the ESIL Board, we will formally acknowledge those who provide mentorship support.

For any questions or suggestions, please contact esil.ecr@gmail.com.

For more information about the ESIL Early-Career Network, visit: https://esil-sedi.eu/early-career-members/