The lawyers and staff at McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP recognize that meaningful and enjoyable articles are the foundation for the development of strong legal skills. We are committed to ensuring that our articling program provides students with both the practical and research experience necessary to excel in whatever area of law or alternative career they may ultimately choose to practice.

The Articling Program

McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP hires three students each year to participate in its articling program. The program consists of three rotations, two of which are spent working with our litigation and family groups and the third with our wealth transfer and business groups.

During the litigation/family rotations, students assist lawyers with a variety of civil, commercial and family litigation matters, including personal injury and medical malpractice actions, corporate disputes and labour and employment issues. Students are asked to speak to motions in both Superior and Family Court and will have carriage of their own Small Claims Court files.

The wealth transfer/business rotation exposes students to all aspects of commercial real estate and lending transactions. It also provides numerous opportunities to review and draft various legal documents, including shareholder and partnership agreements, corporate resolutions, commercial leases, contracts and wills.

Overall, the focus in each of the rotations is on providing students with valuable practical experience that will assist them in successfully completing the Bar Admissions Course and in their future legal endeavours.

Our Resources

We view all of our students at McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP as potential future partners and invest a considerable amount of time and resources into our articling program. Each student is provided with private office space and their own computer with current technology, including access to the Internet and Quicklaw. The student offices are conveniently located next to our two libraries for easy access to the firm's extensive printed materials.

Students are encouraged to attend educational seminars and to accompany lawyers to social and charitable events that will assist them in developing valuable contacts in the London and legal communities. Each of our partners also conducts an informal breakfast seminar relating to their particular area of practice. These monthly seminars are intended to foster student/partner interaction and to share the practical tips that are only learned through experience.

Compensation

The student compensation package offered at McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP includes salary, comprehensive benefits and vacation time competitive with other similar sized firms in the City of London. The compensation package is reviewed on an annual basis.

Our Articling Committee

The Articling Program is managed by our Articling Committee consisting of two partners and two associates. In addition to personal mentors paired with each student, the members of the Articling Committee are always available to address student concerns that may arise during the articling year. While most "feedback" is provided through the individual lawyer who assigns work, the Articling Committee meets with students on at least two occasions during their articles to discuss their progress and the articling program in general.