A Night to Remember: The Art of Connection Beyond the Office

The night flowed like champagne—smooth, sparkling, and a reminder that articling isn’t just a professional chapter, but a shared celebration of growth and connection.

Last week, our firm hosted its annual client appreciation party at Roy Thomson Hall, welcoming more than a hundred guests. It was one of those rare evenings where suits traded in their serious tones for laughter, clinking glasses, and endless trays of hors d’oeuvres that seemed to appear out of thin air. Lawyers and students from all of our regional offices came together that night, making it a true firm-wide celebration of connection and camaraderie.

As articling students, it was an opportunity to see the people behind the email signatures—clients, insureds, adjusters, and counsel who make up the community we work with every day. 

We dressed up, mingled, and swapped courtroom war stories for conversations about travel, family, and baseball (more on that later).

The night didn’t end at Roy Thomson. Like any great story, there was a lively epilogue: a group of us gathered at a nearby pub, still in our formalwear, watching the Blue Jays in the championship series with the kind of collective energy only a close team can have. Between cheering, laughing, and sharing fries under dim bar lights, the lines between “colleague” and “friend” blurred in the best possible way. It wasn’t just a party—it was a reflection of what it means to be part of this firm. It’s the reminder that while we work hard on our files, we’re also part of something larger: a team that celebrates together, supports one another, and makes even the busiest articling year feel a little like home.

Some nights stand out not because of the venue or the menu, but because of the people. This was one of those nights—a perfect snapshot of what it means to belong here.

by Tiara B.

The Adjustment from Student to Articling Student

 

I was a full-time student for 20 straight years. Over time, I found a comfortable routine and enjoyed the rhythm of academic life—especially having summers off. Without a doubt, my favourite part of being a student was the flexible schedule. Law school amplified that flexibility: some days I could sleep in, and other days I had long gaps that allowed me to take walks around the city or meet up with friends. 

I thought life as I knew it would come to an end when I began articling. But I’ve worked hard to organize my new routine in a way that fits my lifestyle.

I am a morning person. Late-night studying was never my thing, so early in my articling term, I started coming into the office an hour before the office day officially began. That quiet time has become one of the most productive parts of my day.

Staying connected with friends has also been a priority. It’s easy to get caught up in work and then retreat into solitude after a long day. But I’ve found that making plans to see friends after work is one of the best ways to recharge and stay grounded.

With a full-time schedule, work-life balance is essential. With my early start, I have time to get to the gym or take a run before dinner. I play ice hockey on weekends and squeeze in a round of golf whenever time permits. Staying active is essential—not just for my physical health, but for managing the stress that comes with working in a busy law office.

While many colleagues enjoy working remotely, I’ve found value in being in the office daily. When my schedule aligns with other students, we take short walks to Parliament for fresh air—echoing the walks I used to take as a student. We also share lunch breaks in the lunchroom, catching up on work and life outside of law. Sometimes, other lawyers join us, adding to the camaraderie and conversation. These moments of connection add satisfaction to the day.

Transitioning from student life to articling has been significant—but not in a negative way. By preserving the routines and relationships that kept me grounded as a student, I found stability and joy in my new role. Change can be daunting, but it also brings opportunity. With intention and self-awareness, it’s possible to carry forward the best parts of your past while embracing the growth that comes with new beginnings.

by Matthew B.

What Kind of Pizza Topping Are We? A Slice of the Articling Experience

 

During a recent interview with a prospective student, we were asked a question that gave us pause: 

“If your firm were a pizza topping, what would you be?”

At first glance, it seemed like a playful icebreaker. But as we thought about it, the answer actually reflects the articling experience here. If I had to choose, we’d be mushrooms.

Why? Because mushrooms adapt to any slice they’re on. They bring depth, versatility, and a richness of flavour that complements everything else around them. In the same way, articling at our firm means adapting to a wide variety of practice areas—insurance, commercial litigation, construction law, personal injury, employment, and more. Each file offers its own unique “slice,” and as students, we get the chance to grow into whatever the situation calls for.

Like mushrooms on pizza, we’re not just there for decoration—we add value by soaking up the knowledge around us. Every motion, discovery, and client meeting is an opportunity to learn from experienced counsel and contribute meaningfully to the case. One day, we might be drafting affidavits in a construction lien matter, and the next, preparing research for a complex commercial dispute. 

The beauty of articling at MB is that no two slices are ever the same. With each new challenge, we become more adaptable, more resourceful, and better prepared for the diverse practice of law. 

So, what started as a fun interview question actually turned out to be the perfect metaphor for articling life: we are mushrooms on the firm’s pizza—always learning, always adapting, and always adding depth to the slice in front of us.

by Tiara B.