What's happened so far: the first few weeks...

The transition from student to practitioner can be daunting. So, what are some of the things I’ve encountered in the few weeks since beginning my summer at MB? As a student at a litigation boutique, my day-to-day work typically involves assisting with preparing various court documents and legal research. From the day the students began working on files after our orientation...

"I was immediately immersed in interesting files and provided meaningful and essential work to move a file forward."

Whether it be affidavits, motions, briefs or research memos, we always walk through the matter with the lawyer assigning the task through a call or conference. This is imperative because, as students, it’s essential we understand what’s expected of us. It also allows us an opportunity to ask as many questions as we need to be able to tackle the assignment. And when I say, “as many questions as we need,” I mean it. The culture at MB is one of support and collaboration. This means that the lawyers understand that as much as we are there to aid with matters, they are there to guide us in becoming expert litigators.

In addition to the meaningful assignments, I’ve had the opportunity to attend “field trips.” These field trips were attending discoveries and an arbitration. These attendances, which started as an opportunity to take notes and be a sponge through observing varying styles of oral advocacy and negotiation techniques, quickly evolved into being involved in the matter through exciting follow-up assignments.

Though it has only been a few weeks, they have been rewarding and full of learning. I don’t expect that to change any time soon.

by Arjun Raju

Through the Looking Glass: The Reality of Working at a Litigation Law Firm

Almost any lawyer or summer law student will tell you that practicing law is very different than studying the law. I developed an interest in advocacy from my experiences in law school – among them, participating in moots and working in a legal clinic – but the truth is that I, like most law students, only had a vague idea of what the litigation process is really like. So, as I finish my fifth week at McCague Borlack, I find myself reflecting on the similarities and differences between theory and practice:

At one of the mediations I attended, I had the pleasure of hearing my research mentioned briefly.

Field Trips

In law school, you spend most of your time either in class or at the library poring over books. But this summer I have had the opportunity to attend examinations for discovery, mediations, motions, and other pre-trial appointments, which has easily been one of the most exciting aspects of being a summer student. Not only do you get a front-row seat to watch brilliant lawyers advocate for their respective clients, you also get to witness different strategies, techniques and styles of the different lawyers you have worked with – all of which is a huge learning opportunity as an aspiring litigator.

At one of the mediations I attended, I had the pleasure of hearing my research mentioned briefly. It was a very small part of the case, but a huge moment for me as a summer student!

The Human Element

In school, it can be easy to detach yourself when reading cases in class - especially when it’s an ancient tort case about ginger beer and a snail. At a law firm, however, it is very engaging to know that the file you are working on will have real-life implications for a number of people. Nowhere has this been more apparent than at my first mediation where I heard our client and the opposing side speak passionately about their positions – something that a law textbook cannot offer.

This “human element” is a motivating factor that has helped all of us summer students do our best work.

Substantive Work

In law school, students focus on theory – but at a law firm, you have the chance to actually create legal documents. This summer has already been a huge learning experience. I could never have imagined that I, as a summer student, would have the opportunity to draft affidavits, pleadings, motions, and other documents that are part of the litigation process. Even more surprising is how much autonomy the firm gives us while working. This, paired with the guidance and feedback provided to the summer students, has allowed us to learn at an astounding pace.

Collegiality

In law school the first year is a real bonding experience – after the blood, sweat, and tears of 1L, it’s hard not to feel close to those who have shared the same experience. Luckily, as a summer student, I’ve experienced the same comradery through the joint excitement, and even uncertainty, that I’ve shared with my fellow summer students.

by Jessica M.

2016 Summer Students have left the building...

The 2016 Summer Students are gone, but only until articles - they are all coming back next fall! They have left us with some final words of (newfound) wisdom...

1. The best thing about your summer at MB
2. Best piece of advice given this summer
3. Best field trip/and or assignment
4. What you wish you'd known at the beginning of the summer term
5. Best place for lunch

-----------------------------

T o r o n t o 

Mark 

1. The people.
2. Work in as many practices areas as possible.
3. Attending a motion to strike.
4. The Rules of Civil Procedure.

Melissa 

1. The culture and the people.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Working on small claims matters.
4. Civ Pro!
5. Fresh West

Emily 

1. Working in a professional and stimulating work environment to solve client problems. No in-school simulation can replicate what it is like out here in the real world – you truly learn most by doing.
2. Seek advice and be inquisitive.
3. Attended a motion for summary judgment. I was the one who had drafted these documents for the moving party. It was exciting to see my work product in the hands of the motions judge.
4. I would have been happy to know just how varied my summer term would be. Each day brings new challenges, which keeps me engaged and interested in the work I have been assigned. 

Gabriela 

1. Being able to apply what I learned at school and meeting great people
2. Stay organized and prioritize.
3. Discoveries and drafting the ED report.
4. Lawyers have different styles and preferences on how to complete an assignment.

Michelle 

1. Meeting a great group of students and being able to learn the ropes of litigation together.
2. Always seek clarification about something if you are unsure – don’t be afraid to ask questions!
3. Research on regulatory offences and quasi-criminal work.
4. Everyone will have a different way of doing things – don’t assume that there is one right way only.
5. Crave or Picnic – I can’t decide!

Taskeen 

1. The friendly and supportive people at MB made my summer experience enjoyable and I learned a lot under the lawyers' mentorship and guidance.  
2. To ensure the lawyers are happy with your work product and to save time, ask questions regarding their preferences or the scope of the assignment (formatting, length, the amount of time to be spent on the assignment, asking for precedents, etc.)
3. A pre-trial for a case that was highly publicized in the media, and for which I worked on several related research assignments.
4. How varied the work would be and that there is no 'one' way of doing things. This was a perfect opportunity to learn from different lawyers, and get confidence in developing our own style.
5. The burrito bowls at FreshWest are great! 

O t t a w a 

Jessica

1. The people!
2. Ask lots of questions, you’re here to learn.
3. I had the opportunity to go to a settlement conference on my own.
4. Take it all in because 12 weeks go by fast!
5. Bier Markt

Alexander

1. Having opportunities, that I would never have thought possible for a summer student, to tackle files “hands-on”
2. Do not rush anything. The focus is rather on accuracy and correctness, rather than speed. The more you do a task the faster you get at it.
3. Having the opportunity to go to an Examination for Discovery, and observe the process in action.
4. One word: Precedents.
5. Pretty much anywhere on Sparks Street. It’s only one block away!

OCI Applications: Finding a 'Good Fit'

As the application deadline for the On-Campus-Interview (OCI) process approaches, second-year students begin to eagerly research firms and speak with fellow students. As an applicant, I found it easy to gain superficial information, but difficult to decipher what exactly makes each firm unique.

Here are seven things to consider when gathering information about the firms that interest you.

A heavy emphasis is placed on finding a “good fit”. The OCI and Summer Student Program is, for everyone involved, an investment of time, effort, and resources. So, in the search for compatibility, here are seven things to consider when gathering information about the firms that interest you, the applicant:

1. Practice Areas
Check each firm's website for information about their practice areas. Looking for a niche? Or just want to keep it general? How about litigation? Are students exposed to all firm practice areas? Or restricted to a few?

At MB: As the website indicates, McCague Borlack is a civil litigation firm that focuses on insurance defence. Our cases pertain to any and all losses that would be covered by insurance. This includes motor vehicle accidents, fires, floods, and other property damage. Plus the firm has over 30 listed practice areas, and there is work to be done in all of them. If a student is interested in a specific field, the lawyers are more than willing to get the students involved.

2. Students' Work
Ask current students or check their program materials to see what type of work is assigned. Are you going to be doing mostly research? Sitting at a desk all day? In the library? Working online?

At MB: We are asked to prepare motion records and affidavits, client letters, and memos. We conduct engaging research and compose summaries of our findings. There is a balance of mindful work, administrative tasks, and exciting assignments. The deadlines are often very reasonable, allowing us to manage our daily schedule and allocate our time accordingly.

3. Field Trips
Do students get to leave the office? Perhaps to watch motions? Attend meetings? Go to court? How much interaction is there with the firm's clients? Do you spend a lot of time on the phone?

At MB: Students do not spend all day, every day at our desks. We are given the opportunity to attend out-of-office discoveries, mediations, and settlement conferences. We are also included in client information sessions, Professional Development seminars, and Practice Group meetings - all of which typically come with catered treats… ;)

4. The List
Ask how work is distributed to students. Do they follow a list? Is it a round-robin? First come, first served?

At MB: Our students receive work from lawyers through a list - an email group - through which we take assignments in alphabetical order. The list ensures that each student receives a variety of work, from a variety of lawyers. It bolsters teamwork and helps to eliminate competitiveness among the group.

5. Open Door Policy
You need to know about the environment of the firm. Where do you go if you need help or have questions? Can students approach lawyers directly? Or do students speak to lawyer's assistants instead? It is one thing for a firm to say they have an open-door policy, and another to actually put it into practice.

At MB:  Our lawyers encourage students to drop by their offices with questions or comments, or even just to chat. It allows everyone to build relationships and establish connections with formal and informal mentors. Since many of the lawyers were once articling and summer students, they are empathetic and very supportive. This speaks to the atmosphere of our office.

6. Hire Back Rates
Does the firm typically hire back their articling students? Is there competition to get hired back? What does it take to stand out?

At MB: Our firm is inclusive, supportive, and uncompetitive. This is evident in the firm’s attitude toward hiring back their summer students for articling positions and then as associates. As it was explained to us, we are invited to become long-term members of the team. We are not treated as visitors because we are here to stay.

7. Work-Life Balance
Ask current students what a typical week will look like? What kind of hours do they keep? Do they work on the weekends? How often?

At MB: The lawyers and students at McCague Borlack recognize and practice a work-life balance. This is somewhat uncommon to come across when speaking of a Downtown Toronto firm. As students, our workload allows us to take advantage of our well-deserved summer break, and to have personal time on the evenings and weekends.

Marla R.

Looking Back at a Memorable Summer

This summer, which felt very long at times, but also as though it had slipped away extremely quickly, has sadly come to an end. Despite the ongoing stresses and struggles, this was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable summers I have ever had. I learned more than I would have imagined I could in 12 weeks and I am happy I had the opportunity to work at such an amazing firm. As a student on his way out for the summer, I just want to reflect on some highlights of my overall experience.

I learned more than I would have imagined I could in 12 weeks,,,

The People

Among the many good things MB has to offer, the people are at the top of my list in terms of aspects of the firm that have stuck out. MB has a very diverse and unique group of people who somehow mesh together amazingly well. The lawyers never stopped being helpful and were always available to answer summer student questions. They are very patient and great teachers. Additionally, the summer students were some of the most helpful, friendly, intelligent and fun groups of people I have ever been around and I am grateful to have been able to work with them this summer.

Work-life Balance

MB allows for a very rewarding work-life balance, and my summer experience is a testament to this. To provide some context, I have commuted from Richmond Hill every day. The commute is about an hour each way, so at times it can be difficult to maximize free time since two hours a day is dedicated to commuting. Truthfully, it was difficult to find the balance in the first few weeks, but once I was in the swing of things I was able to accomplish a fair amount of work while on the Go Train to and from work. As long as you are able to work efficiently, you will have no problem spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, cooking, or doing whatever it is you enjoy doing, on most days that is. The work-life balance is an aspect that I value very much and has been great this summer, even while having to commute from pretty far north.

Field Trips

Another highlight of my summer is the out of office experiences. By this, I mean discoveries, trials, mediations, etc. These are definitely things that every student should make time for. Not only do they provide greater insight into the life of a litigator, they are valuable because they allow you to witness different lawyers applying their own approach, which helps you find what style fits you best and also what you find to be most effective. They are also great opportunities to take a well-deserved break from the office grind.
Final Remarks
Looking back on the short summer term, I am amazed at all that the students were able to accomplish. The experience that we gained is, in my opinion, unparalleled. I firmly believe that each of us is now more confident, efficient, and vastly more knowledgeable than we were just 12 short weeks ago. I am happy to have had this experience and also very sad to have to leave. However, with just a year of school left, it won’t be long before we are back in action.

Michael G.