As this scheme involves the development of personal relationships SAL has set down the following guidelines to ensure the scheme operates effectively. Mentors and candidates must comply with these guidelines:

1. Those seeking a mentor (a "Candidate") must be at least in their final year of undergraduate studies to apply to the scheme.
   
   
2. Mentors must be practising solicitors or barristers, trainees or pupils.
   
   
3. Candidates must be aware of the fact that advice and guidance does not extend to advice or guidance on financial matters or substantive legal issues.
   
   
4. Candidates must note that Mentors are not there to act as tutors and should avoid asking legal questions.
   
   
5. Mentors should offer appropriate guidance to a candidate, making clear that ultimately it is up to the Candidate to decide whether or not he wishes to follow the advice offered by the mentor.
   
   
6. If a mentor feels unable to offer advice or guidance to a Candidate he/she should contact a member of the SAL Committee, who will, if appropriate, refer the Candidate to another Mentor.
   
   
7. Mentors and Candidates should seek to make contact at least six times a year. It is up to the Mentor and Candidate to decide whether to meet face-to-face or make contact by telephone or email. However, it is recommended that there should be at least one face-to-face meeting (preferably the first meeting).
   
   
8. We suggest that Mentors should make the first contact with the Candidate. Often it can be intimidating for Candidates to approach established legal professionals and Mentors should be aware of such considerations.
   
   
9. If a Candidate or Mentor believes that the relationship is not working then the Candidate or Mentor may contact a member of the SAL Committee and ask for a new match.
   
   
10. If a Candidate or Mentor wishes to make a formal complaint about the conduct of a Mentor or Candidate, the complaint should be made in writing in the first instance to the SAL Committee. The SAL Committee will then investigate the matter and take steps as appropriate.