When I started articling at McCague, I expected to spend much of my time learning the law through pleadings, research, and drafting. What I did not fully anticipate was how central client interaction would be to my development as an advocate. Over the course of my articles, I have been asked, on more occasions than I can count, to interact directly with clients and potential clients through phone calls, emails, and meetings.
These client interactions have become one of the most formative aspects of my articling experience.
One of the first client-facing tasks I encountered was handling intake calls from potential clients. Initially, this felt daunting. Calling somebody you have never spoken to, often about stressful or unfamiliar legal matters, requires a careful balance of professionalism, empathy, and confidence. Over time, I learned that preparation is everything. Understanding the (potential) file, anticipating questions, speaking with the supervising lawyer for guidance, and being clear about the purpose of the call helped transform what felt uncomfortable into an opportunity to build trust, rapport, and my own confidence as an advocate. These conversations with warm calls reinforced the idea that advocacy begins well before any courtroom appearance, as it starts with how you communicate with the client.
Following up with clients on active matters further developed this perspective. Clients are often navigating uncertainty, and even brief updates can provide reassurance and clarity. Through these interactions, I learned the importance of translating legal developments into plain language, ensuring that clients feel informed rather than overwhelmed. Being mindful of tone, timing, and responsiveness taught me that effective advocacy includes managing expectations and maintaining open lines of communication.
These experiences also outlined the responsibility that comes with being the point of contact on a file, as I have several Small Claims Court files where I am the primary point of client contact. As an articling student, I benefit from a strong support system provided by the firm's supervising lawyers. They not only oversee my work at each step of the process but also serve as mentors. Being able to work with various lawyers and devise a plan of attack before each task allows me to grow and learn in a safe environment that ensures efficiency and promotes development.
Working alongside lawyers at McCague, I observed how strong client relationships are built over time through consistency, honesty, and professionalism. This encourages me to take ownership of client communications while knowing support is always available when needed. When a new issue arises that I am unsure how to navigate, I am always comfortable speaking with the supervising lawyer, where we work together and talk through the potential options. These candid sessions, where I get to consult with supervising lawyers, have been a cornerstone of my time at McCague. This balance, where I am given independence while always having a mentor supervising my work, has allowed me to grow more confident as an advocate.
Ultimately, my articling experience reinforced that advocacy is not limited to written submissions or oral arguments. Advocacy is present in every phone call, email, and follow-up. Learning to engage with clients thoughtfully and effectively through the strong mentorship and supervision provided at McCague has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of what it means to be a lawyer. As I move forward and get called to the bar in June, the lessons learned from these early client interactions and strong mentorship opportunities will remain integral to how I approach advocacy, both inside and outside the courtroom.
by Jordan J.