Family Matters

Articling is not only about academic learning. It is also about learning about people; how to be a part of a team, how to be inclusive, and how to remain positive, even during stressful times.

"While in trial for four weeks, my learning of the above expanded ten-fold."

Walking to court each morning, you can never really know what to expect for the day, especially as an articling student. All you can expect is a long day. After spending 7 hours in court each day, we would come back to the office, ready to complete any work necessary for the next day in court, which usually involved late nights, early mornings, and plenty of coffee. Weekends were not safe and too much pizza was consumed. Usually, under these circumstances, people would succumb to the pressure and long hours and begin to feel defeated. I can honestly say though that this was not my experience.

Working with Charlene Kavanagh and Christopher Macaulay was such a pleasure. They included me in everything they could to contribute to my learning and created such invaluable learning opportunities for me, even when they had their own insurmountable workloads (I even sat at the Counsel’s table up front). We always made sure to check in with each other, fill in for each other when required, and get in those necessary laughs to lift us back up. Most importantly, we trusted each other. It really felt like a “we leave no person behind” kind of team. I could not have asked for more during my first trial experience and I have to say that this experience solidifies for me why McCague is such a great firm to work at as a student.

Kyle, Carly & Brittany are all smiles after coming
back from the Supreme Court of Canada

While they created these learning opportunities for me, Carly and I paid it forward to a partner’s son. During a "take your kid to work day", Carly and I took James Brown’s son, Kyle, to the Supreme Court of Canada while Uber Technologies Inc., et al. v. David Heller (Ontario) was being heard; a very topical case for the time. He had a great time learning about the law and at the Supreme Court of Canada, no less. This reminded me of the time I visited the Brampton Superior Court of Justice while taking a law course in high school. That experience, among others, helped steer me towards law.

Ultimately, I decided to write this blog to stress how important it is to treat the people you work with as a family and how that mindset affects the way you work together, your productivity and your success as a firm. McCague has that recipe for success. They know that family matters.

by Brittany

Summer Student in Motion (Court)

My interest in litigation was first sparked by my experiences mooting in law school. So, this summer when I was asked if I would like to personally go to court to bring a motion I was very excited to have the opportunity to experience the “real thing”. In this blog entry, I wanted to highlight some of the takeaways of what was one of the most exciting parts of my summer experience.

Unlike what you see on TV, litigators do not spend all of their time in court.

Putting Pen to Paper
Unlike what you see on TV, litigators do not spend all of their time in court. In fact, some of the most interesting aspects of the litigation process involve formulating arguments and drafting legal documents. So, before I could bring the motion I had the opportunity to actually draft it. Being able to draft the materials I would be submitting to the court was also a very helpful way to prepare.

Getting Ready: Mentorship and Self-Prep
The lawyer supervising me on this task sat down with me to answer my questions and go over what had happened on the file to date, and what I should expect when I went to court. He very kindly answered my dozen or so questions about everything from court decorum to what floor the courtroom would be on.

Even after all of that preparation, I still woke up early on the day to go over all of my materials, make sure I knew where all my documents were located in my binder, and prepare responses to the list of possible questions I’d be asked. I also printed off all of the possible legislation I could be drilled on.

The Big Moment
I arrived early to court and waited for the courtroom to be unlocked, then I filled out the requisite forms and waited for my turn. I was glad that I had participated in so many moots in school because it definitely helped tame my nerves!

When it was my turn to speak I answered the Master’s questions and gave my reasons where necessary. Court, it turns out, at least at this level, was less about the Master trying to trick you with difficult questions (like in moot court) than it was about the Master trying to figure out why you were there. I was still very happy I had spent (so much) time preparing for questions because it made me feel poised and confident!

In the end, our order was signed and I was left with an amazing experience! I can’t wait until the next time I’m able to step up to the podium!

Jessica M.

Survey Says...

For this week’s blog, I thought I would switch things up a bit. I thought it would be fun to show you the faces that I have the pleasure of seeing every day.

After devising this survey  >   >   >


I then asked (ok -forced) the MB Students to share a bit more about themselves and about their favourite parts of articling at a civil litigation firm.


I have put together below some of their best (in my humble opinion) answers.




   

	Q2: Settlement conference – It makes me feel like the lawyer, I thought I would be. Q3: The Bancroft Court of Justice - Because of the beautiful countryside drive. Q5: Harvey's– in two words: Original Burger
Q2: Motion all the way Q4: Mediations – You generally get to hear the whole story from the beginning and really get a sense of the issues in the case. Q5: IQ– Quinoa, the superfood.
	Q1: Rule 49 - Offer to Settle - Because why can't everyone just get along? Q3: The Oshawa Court of Justice - Because it reminds me of 'Gringotts Wizarding Bank' (from Harry Potter, for those that don't indulge in wizardry). Q5: Aroma– FREE chocolate, need I say more.
Q1: Rule 37 – Motions! Q3: The Orillia Court of Justice – My first Settlement Conference. Q5: IQ – healthy and delicious!
	Q1: Rule 49 – It promotes a resolution of the issues and "punishes" those who are not willing to cooperate or be an effective lawyer. Q4: Mediations - Another opportunity to resolve the claim and make the client happy. Q5: Chinese noodle soup place at the Sheraton Hotel -when I visit my colleagues in Toronto.
Q2: Settlement Conference - I like the opportunity to meet opposing counsel face to face. Q4: Examinations for Discovery - Network Reporting has great food! Q5: Thai Express – Not exactly "express" but worth the wait!
	Q2: Motions - I think it's a good opportunity to practice oral advocacy and to have to think quickly on your feet. Q4: Mediations - I haven't been to a lot of them and it is interesting to watch different lawyers' negotiation strategies. Q5: Freshii – I collect points on my phone and get free meals.
Q3: The Cobourg Court of Justice - I took the train there at 6:50 am in the middle of a snowstorm! Q4: Mediations - I like to see how different mediators engage both sides. Q5: Sandwich Box is my favourite lunch spot – 'you don't make friends with salad' (-Bart and Homer Simpson) (This is mine :)  Wishing you a Happy Easter & Long Weekend! RS