Student Experience
Our students are exposed to a wide variety of experiences during their articling year. Each student is assigned to one principal who is then responsible for mentoring the student and ensuring that each student gains experience in as many areas of the law as possible, in both the litigation and solicitor areas.
On the litigation side, our students help with the preparation of trials; junior at trials; appear as counsel at trials in Provincial Court (including Small Claims); appear as counsel in Chambers; attend with lawyers at examinations for discovery; attend with lawyers to mediations and engage in other alternative dispute resolution processes; meet with clients; assist lawyers on large litigation cases; and conduct research. Students are given full responsibility for Small Claims files — they learn to deal with clients directly, attend settlement conferences, negotiate settlements, interview witnesses and conduct the trials. This is done under the supervision of experienced litigators.
On the solicitors’ side, our students prepare documents for buying, selling and financing business ventures; prepare wills; assist in the probate of estates; draft agreements and letters of intent for commercial contracts; review and research taxation issues; help with the preparation of construction contracts and research construction-related issues; assist in the conveyance of real property; support due diligence efforts in commercial transactions; attend at closings of transactions; participate in client meetings; and conduct other general research.
Mentoring
Each articling student is paired with a partner who serves as their principal and an associate who serves as their mentor. They each help the student integrate into the firm environment and provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the articling term. The Professional Resources team and other firm members are also available to support students.
Firm Culture
We encourage our students to participate in all aspects of firm life, including social, charitable and community activities, client events and student-specific teambuilding activities.
Feedback
Our students receive formal reviews according to the requirements of the CPLED Program. In addition, we provide informal feedback throughout the entire year in order to provide timely and constructive advice and areas for improvement.
Professional Development
Throughout articling, students continue their professional development with additional continuing legal education programs designed specifically for them. Students are invited to attend all firm-wide and practice-specific continuing legal education seminars. We also provide students with on-going training and seminars to develop their practical and legal skills using seminar formats specifically designed for students.
STUDENTS AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO CONTACT
Our current students are available to answer your questions about our student program. You can find a link to their profile and contact information on the Our Students page.