The articling experience develops practical professional skills in problem recognition, creative problem solving, communications and drafting. We assume that our students are fully capable of managing a significant degree of responsibility, and we ensure that our students have direct client contact from the outset. Each student is formally assigned to a principal, who provides him or her with guidance and information, and who works with other professionals in the firm to regulate and monitor the student's workload, provide constructive feedback, and ensure that the student is exposed to the required elements of the Law Society Approved Articling Plan. During the course of the articling year the Student Committee will also have discussions with the student regarding his or her progress. Incoming articling students are assigned to mentors with similar backgrounds.
Mentors act as supervisors, teachers and also provide a sympathetic ear.
The assigning lawyer is responsible for advising and supervising the student on his or her work and providing feedback. Our students are encouraged to ask questions and to discuss work in progress with the assigning lawyer and other professionals in the firm such as their principal. Client work involves dealing with specific issues that arise in the context of client files. Special projects may involve research for papers to be presented by firm members, the preparation of reports or summaries on important subjects or developments, or internal case reporting. During my articling year I have drafted patent applications, prepared motion materials and facta for trials and appeals, and had an active role in intellectual property due diligence for acquisitions and public offerings.