Becoming the Lawyer I'm Meant to Be

Since starting as a law student, the question - Am I really meant for this? - keeps popping into my head. It’s not just me—many people around me seem to wrestle with the same thought.

Law is demanding in ways that are hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t lived it—the long nights, the responsibility, the constant pace.

It’s easy to get caught up in the go-go-go and forget to pause and acknowledge what we’ve already accomplished.

Imposter syndrome is real. I’ve noticed how easy it is to compare ourselves to peers, to wonder if we’re keeping up, or to focus on what we could have done better. After writing the bar exam this summer, I caught myself doing exactly that—thinking about what I missed instead of celebrating what I’d already achieved. But the truth is—we’ve already done incredible things to get here. Taking a moment to reflect on that progress is so important.

Perfectionism makes this even trickier. As lawyers, we’re trained to aim high, leave no stone unturned, and get every detail right. But I’ve noticed that perfectionism often leads to worry, fear of mistakes, and feeling like nothing we do is ever good enough. I’ve learned to reframe this for myself: striving for excellence is important, but it doesn’t mean torturing yourself. Doing your best, while being kind to yourself, is the goal.

Another thing I’ve realized is that growth comes from putting yourself out there. At the start of last summer, I was nervous to ask questions—I worried about sounding unprepared. But I’ve learned that asking questions isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. It shows you’re engaged and invested in learning the work. Other lawyers want you to succeed. Speaking up has become my reminder that I belong here and that I’m capable of becoming the lawyer I want to be.

In just a few weeks of articling, I’ve attended a motion, participated in discoveries, drafted affidavits, and will soon be at the Court of Appeal. These experiences are reminders that success doesn’t come overnight.

Success comes from showing up, working hard, and embracing the opportunities in front of you.

The path isn’t always linear. There are moments when I feel unsure, isolated, or out of place—but that doesn’t mean I don’t belong. Everyone’s journey is different. I’ve started to focus on taking care of myself, seeking mentorship, and remembering why I chose this path: to grow, to learn, and to surround myself with people who challenge and support me.

Articling is just the beginning. There will be tough days, but there are also moments that make this career deeply rewarding. By reframing what feels like doubt or failure and allowing myself to celebrate wins—even the small ones—I’m learning to trust that I belong here. And that’s how I’m slowly becoming the lawyer I’ve always wanted to be.

by Zlata B.

Diving In

The midsummer sun bathed everything in an orange glow and blanketed my body in a warm embrace. I was eight years old at the local pool, queued behind the rest of the students in my swim lesson cohort. On this day, I had my first ever diving lesson.

When it was my turn, I locked my elbows and positioned my arms in a triangle behind my ears. I gazed nervously at the water in the deep end. A million thoughts ran through my mind.

Would the water be very cold? Will I forget how to hold my breath? Will I swallow massive amounts of chlorinated water, and choke? Will everyone laugh, because I don’t know how to dive?

The swim instructor’s voice cut through the chaos of my mind.

“Don’t think too hard about it,” he said, “just close your eyes, and go for it.”

And so, I did. The water was very cold in contrast with the warmth of the sun. I did accidentally swallow too much of it; but then, I came up for air and realized I had survived, and surprisingly, diving in was lots of fun.

My 2L summer experience was a lot like my first diving lesson. 

There’s no way you could really prepare for it. You’re given a comprehensive, theoretical orientation, which was a helpful primer, much like being “taught” how to dive by example was a helpful primer, but the most effective way to learn, of course, was by doing.

My first few assignments felt like diving into a pool from the deep end, but in the best possible way. There was a split moment of panic where you realize everything is new, and you don’t know anything. Just as the chlorinated water had burned my lungs, the massive size of some of the files we had to sift through to create damages briefs was slightly overwhelming; but don’t let this scare you!

The fun part comes after the initial nerves—when you let your instincts take over and you begin to naturally problem-solve. We were hired because we had the ability to learn, not because we knew everything already. The most gratifying experience was learning to piece together what would eventually become a completed damages brief, among many other things.

As my summer ends, I reflect on everything I have learned. I now had a true appreciation for what “hands on” really meant. Over the course of 12 weeks, I had only done a handful of research assignments. The bulk of my work was drafting legal documents. Highlights include a draft order and a bill of costs that made its way to the Court of Appeal.

I was not perfect, but I didn’t need to be. I proved to myself that I was unafraid of discomfort—of diving into cold water (or in this case, 3000-page documents) and emerging unscathed. Eight-year-old me faced her fear of diving, and twenty-four-year-old me faced her fear of entering the world of law, equipped with everything I ever needed, which was nothing at all except myself.

by Yeru T.

What I Wish I Knew Before Recruitment

 

As I wrap up coffee chats with incoming 2Ls, I’m reminded how overwhelming recruitment felt last year, like I had to sound polished and certain, even when I wasn’t. Now, two months into my summer at McCague Borlack LLP, I’ve learned that what really stands out isn’t perfection, but being thoughtful, curious, and showing up as myself.

Here’s what I wish I had known from the start...

I didn’t need to have it all figured out.

I used to think I needed a perfectly mapped-out career plan to be taken seriously. I assumed everyone else knew exactly what kind of lawyer they wanted to be. I didn’t. And it turns out that was okay. I’ve since learned that being open to learning, honest about my interests, and willing to ask questions meant more than having all the answers.

Coffee chats are conversations, not interviews.

At first, I over-prepared for coffee chats. I brought lists of questions, such as “What’s mentorship like at your firm?” or “How’s the informal support?” They were still good questions, but the best conversations happened when I started asking what I genuinely wanted to know — the stuff that sparked real conversations. The most memorable chats weren’t the most strategic; they were the most human.

The right fit goes both ways.

I spent so much time trying to make a good impression that I almost forgot I was also supposed to be evaluating whether a firm was right for me. What stood out during my own recruitment process wasn’t a specific answer; it was the people. I remember watching partners and associates at McCague Borlack laughing and chatting with each other between interviews. The way they interacted made the space feel warm and familiar, like a place I could see myself. That feeling mattered. And now, being here, I’m glad I trusted it. One thing I was told during OCIs that really stuck with me: “As much as this is an interview for us about you, it’s also an interview for you about us.” That couldn’t be more true.

My story was enough.

I didn’t come into recruitment with a long list of legal experiences. I hadn’t worked at a clinic. But I had a reason for being here, and a story that mattered. It took time for me to see how much my years in customer service helped, how those experiences shaped how I communicate, problem-solve, and stay calm under pressure. What once felt irrelevant turned out to be a strength. 

Be prepared for the long in-firm days.

My biggest rookie mistake was wearing heels all day with no backup. I’ll never forget leaving the Exchange Tower, limping down the street, silently envying everyone around me in their sneakers or flats. Between the blisters on my feet and the drink I spilled on my shirt, it was a humbling lesson in practicality.

Looking back now, I can’t help but wonder what advice future me will have after my first trial — hopefully, she brings flats.

by Ryyan E.

From Real Estate Deals to Real Estate Court Disputes: A Reflection on Career Transition

My transition from real estate agent to law student has given me a unique advantage in the world of real estate litigation. As a real estate agent, I focused on helping clients navigate property transactions with care and foresight, aiming to address potential issues early and prevent problems before they could escalate.

As a summer student, I experienced, for the first time, what happens when those issues are not resolved. 

I had the opportunity to observe a court case involving a contentious real estate sale. 

The matter centered on contractual obligations and the interpretation of standard real estate clauses – language I had navigated countless times in my previous career. Seeing these familiar concepts examined so closely in a legal setting was eye-opening and gave me a deeper appreciation for the impact of every word.

This experience made me realize I will be a valuable resource for colleagues and clients on matters focused on real estate litigation. Clients will benefit from an advocate who not only understands the technicalities of contracts and disclosure obligations but also appreciates the realities and pressures of real estate transactions. I can explain the practical application and common industry practices surrounding specific clauses and offer guidance to agents on how best to protect their interests. This support is valuable both in preventing disputes and in resolving them when they occur.

For my colleagues, my background means I can provide clarity on industry norms and flag potential pitfalls that might not be obvious from the legal documents alone. This collaborative approach can lead to more robust strategies, whether we are advising on risk management or preparing for litigation. It is gratifying to know that my practical insights can help inform legal decisions and contribute to positive outcomes for our clients.

This summer has already given me a profound appreciation for how diverse past professional experiences can strengthen legal practice, including in the world of real estate litigation.

by Muskan F.

Reality Check

This week officially marks the halfway point of my Summer Student experience with McCague Borlack. I’ve already learned so much and met so many amazing people. 

After a chat with Ashley, the Director of Student Program & Audit, I started reflecting on how my experience so far has differed from what my 2L-self expected from a summer student position…

Expectation: you know nothing -> Reality: you really know nothing… but that’s okay! Like many other incoming summer students, the fear of making mistakes and feeling silly weighed on me before even starting the program. My expectation was that I would come in and not know anything… and that’s exactly what happened! While that may sound terrifying, the bright side is that the rest of the firm also had the same expectation – no one expected me to walk in and know how to be a lawyer… we’re here to learn! Ashley made this clear in the first few days of orientation and it continues to ring true 6 weeks into the program. The reality is, we all have to start from somewhere. Partners, associates, articling students and anyone else who can, is willing to help the students with as many seemingly silly questions as we can come up with. So, I know nothing but I’m learning and that’s what matters.

Expectation: students get the grunt work -> Reality: the MB summer student program is SO immersive Throughout recruit, students typically just accept that 2L summer is going to be grinding out research tasks for 3 months straight – that we’ve got to do our time in the trenches before we get to work on the really interesting stuff. I’m happy to report that this is not the reality. While we do some research work, my experience thus far has been much more than that. The majority of my work has been centred around drafting pleadings and organizing productions. I’ve chatted with clients and coordinated the gathering of documents. The most exciting part is the field trips. I’ve attended a pre-trial conference, a mediation, taken a few trips to the courthouse and am scheduled to observe a motion in a few weeks. Overall, I’ve had a very well-rounded experience and am excited to see what comes next.

Expectation: the legal field is intimidating -> Reality: the people make all the difference Coming into the legal world can be intimidating. The lawyers are smart, confident, accomplished and professional, and you’re just… a student. This was my expectation anyways, but luckily that isn’t the reality. In my experience, the people I’ve met at MB are just that – people! Orientation brought all the students together across locations, fostering friendships before we even set foot in the office. We continue to meet multiple times a week and share each other’s successes and challenges both inside and outside of work. In the office, partners, associates, admin and students alike make a point of being fun, friendly and helpful, while after hours firm dinners help to strengthen relationships beyond work. Being surrounded by the right people is really a make-or-break component of a good summer experience and luckily for me, I’ve met some of the best.

by Kylie G.