Working as a summer student in a law firm is one of the most beneficial experiences for law students. Nearing the end of my second year as a summer student at MLT Aikins and approaching my final year of law school, I cannot help but reflect on the incredible value of my experience and the factors that made my experience successful.
Established Student Programs
An established student program provides consistency and predictability for both summer students and lawyers. Expectations for students are clearly outlined, and lawyers are prepared to assign work to incoming students. This ensures all students receive the same training and similar opportunities. Another benefit is that lawyers submit tasks among the students upon arrival, reducing the need for students to seek out work while initially acclimating to the firm environment.
Mentorship & Relationships
Throughout my two summers at MLT Aikins, mentorship was the most beneficial aspect of my experience. Connecting with lawyers genuinely interested in teaching students and assigning meaningful work allowed me to build my confidence. Formally assigned mentors served as excellent resources for asking questions, receiving feedback, and learning more about an associate role within the firm. Also, building mentorship relationships outside of the office, such as lunches and coffees, allowed me to know my mentors on a personal level.
Mentorship can also develop organically. While I was fortunate to have fantastic formally assigned mentors, many other lawyers became informal mentors to me. Developing relationships with office staff, legal assistants, and paralegals is also incredibly important to students, as those positions are vital in supporting the work that the lawyers do every day.
Legal Experience
The legal experience gained in my time as a 1L summer student was advantageous as it improved my research and writing skills and increased my interest in law overall. It also provided a great foundation for the 2L position, allowing me to work on more complex work immediately upon returning to the firm. Being assigned meaningful work, such as the first draft of a brief of law, contributed to my feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment, and is a fantastic learning opportunity as lawyers often explain the background of a matter.
Social & Practical Opportunities
Social and practical opportunities are invaluable, as they make students feel included in the firm. Attending Saskatoon Bar Association and Canadian Bar Association events, student retreats, firm barbecues, and other social events served as excellent networking and educational opportunities. Practical experiences are also significant. Being able to attend client meetings, presentations, Chambers appearances, mediation, and other out-of-office opportunities affords the chance to experience another component of the practice of law. Observing lawyers interacting with clients, lawyers, and other professionals provided insight into the practice of law that I would not have otherwise gained until articling and beyond.
Conclusion
Working as a summer student provides countless opportunities to build confidence in legal research and writing as a student, while learning to navigate work in private practice. I am grateful to have participated in such an established program. For me, summering in a law firm has given me first-hand insight into the articling and associate positions within this law firm and helped guide my decision on where to complete my articles.
Bailey Woloshyn, was a Summer Law Student, MLT Aikins LLP and has now returned to her studies at the University of Saskatchewan.