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When Annandi Diaram started Durham College’s Law Clerk program, she wasn’t sure exactly where her career would take her. What she did know was that she wanted guidance from someone who had walked a similar path. Through DC’s Alumni Mentorship program, she was paired with Michelle Long, a Law Clerk graduate who is now Director, Governance and Corporate Secretary at Kinross Gold Corporation.
“The mentorship has been invaluable,” says Diaram. “Michelle’s career trajectory confirmed that just because you go to school for a law clerk diploma does not mean you must only be a law clerk. The skills you develop — organization, critical thinking and the ability to work under pressure — prepare you for roles in compliance, insurance, governance and more.”
For Long, becoming a mentor was a way to give back. “Twenty years ago, I had guidance from a working law clerk who helped me bridge the gap between studying in school and entering the workforce,” she says. “I wanted to do the same for new graduates.”
Their relationship goes beyond practical advice. Long recalls that when she was a student, she took courses and completed placements without knowing exactly where she would land. “It took me many years to truly find what I loved, and I’m still learning every day,” she says. Now, she helps Diaram explore the many career possibilities that a Law Clerk diploma can open.
DC’s Law Clerk program combines classroom learning with two opportunities for work placements, giving students hands-on exposure to different areas of law and helping them make informed career decisions. Paid co-op placements, like the one that attracted Diaram, give students guaranteed real-world experience and the chance to connect with professionals in the field.
Nicole Doyle, Law Clerk Program Coordinator, says the mentorship program enhances the student experience. “Our Law Clerk program is designed to provide both practical skills and professional confidence,” says Doyle. “The mentorship program allows students to learn directly from graduates, see the wide range of career outcomes available, and build the networks and skills they need to hit the ground running after graduation.”
Diaram says the mentorship has helped her grow professionally and gain insight into her career options. “It’s reinforced the importance of marketing yourself, building professional networks, and communicating effectively,” she says. “I encourage future Law Clerk students to continue growing and take advantage of these opportunities to connect with alumni.”
Learn more about Durham College’s Law Clerk program here.
