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.

A World of Firsts

I was feeling both excited and nervous starting my 2L summer student position at McCague Borlack LLP, but a friend’s pep talk reminded me that there are many new beginnings when starting out on any endeavours.

There was the first day of high school, the first day of undergraduate studies, the first day of law school, and now, the first day as a law student at a firm.

Of course, next will be the first day as an articling student and the first day as a lawyer. Each first seems just as daunting as the last. It never feels like you are fully prepared; but here is where our conversation embedded itself into my mind.

When starting your summer student position, you are already as prepared as you can possibly be. Let me clarify. Though prepared, you are not always as competent as you can be, but this is a part of starting something new. The transition between law school and the legal profession is one that will always give you challenges. You cannot, and will not, get it perfect. You will slip up, make mistakes, and probably feel like you are unable to perform the tasks in the way that you should. When transitioning from undergraduate studies to law school, there is often that familiar feeling of imposter syndrome. Because when you start something new, it is always new. You cannot be better prepared for it except if you have already done it, and if you have already done it, well, then it is not your “first” time doing it after all.

This recognition and mindset shift is something that helped me accept this new challenge. Because it is not about making mistakes; it is not about getting everything perfect the first time, and it is not about presenting yourself as though you know what you are doing. It is all about learning from your mistakes, accepting that you know next to nothing, and being willing to become competent in this new process and experience. Just like how the shift from high school to undergraduate studies, and on to law school involved adaptability, so too does the shift from law school to a professional career. I realized that this transition is just that – a transition.

With this realization also came the understanding that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Learning from different lawyers and looking to my peers in both a school and professional setting, everyone develops their own strategies and processes. This plurality of approaches which showcase flexibility and an eagerness to learn seems to be the only universal mode of success to me. Being able to absorb everything you see and being willing to accept your position as someone at the start of a new journey sheds light on the path ahead. These lessons prepare us for the future “first” steps that await.

by Kayen F.