Mentoring and being mentored: Why it is never too early to ‘pay it forward’ By Naomi Neilson|29 December 2020 There is a world of benefits to being mentored by senior members of the profession—but there is also a lot to be said for switching from mentee to mentor. Sitting down with Law Student of the Year 2020, Protégé looks into the benefits of starting the mentoring experiences early with younger lawyers coming into the ranks right behind you. For 2020’s Australian Law Awards Law Student of the Year Sanjay Alapakkam, finding a senior legal professional to take him under their wing and provide advice for the next, critical steps in his career was very important and very instrumental to his success. It’s one of the most vital, career-enhancing things a young lawyer can do during university.