You are about to commence an exciting new stage in your career. The Articling experience as we refer to it, is achieved by our commitment to providing a diverse articling program that exposes our students to a broad range of practice areas, mentoring and direct access to some of the top professionals in Southwestern Ontario.
As integral members of the McKenzie Lake team, our students gain exposure to a variety of files and matters for a variety of clients including:
- complex litigation;
- corporate/commercial transactions, and;
- mediations/arbitrations.
Office Environment
Our office, is located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. It is a modern and open space with an open-door policy for all lawyers, creating an office environment suited for learning, team building, and cooperation. Two Articling students share an office space located on all three floors of our office.
Training and Professional Development
We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our students. During your first week at the firm, you will participate in an extensive orientation program comprised of technical and systems training, working lunches with lawyers from each practice group, and introductory seminars focusing on file management, docketing, client communication, court processes, oral advocacy and legal research and writing. You will also be introduced to your mentor, a lawyer who will be available to you throughout your articling experience and who will provide guidance on practice-related matters.
Throughout the articling term, you will have an opportunity to attend in-firm educational seminars and continuing legal education programs across a range of practice areas. You may be invited to assist our lawyers in the preparation of articles, blog posts, texts and presentations. We understand that professional development takes place both inside and outside the office and encourage our students to attend various charitable events throughout the year.
Other Experiences
In addition to rewarding legal work, we believe in providing students with a well-rounded experience and, therefore, students will also have the opportunity to attend:
- firm sponsored and/or charitable events;
- client events and business development meetings, and;
- firm gatherings and socials.
Program Structure
We hire four students to participate in the articling experience, which generally runs from August through June.
The articling experience is structured into two litigation, one family and one corporate/commercial rotation, which provides students with an experience aimed at developing the broad skill set necessary to become a lawyer at McKenzie Lake.
Compensation and Benefits
COMPENSATION
At McKenzie Lake, students are an integral part of our team and are valued members of the firm. Our compensation package is competitive with the top firms in London, Ontario and is reviewed on an annual basis. For the 2023/2024 articling term, the weekly salary is $1100.00. In addition to receiving salary during articles, students will be paid for 15 days while they are studying for and writing their licensing exams.
BENEFITS
Articling students at McKenzie Lake receive:
- dental and prescription coverage;
- extended health coverage;
- two weeks’ paid vacation;
- paid parking;
- all fees associated with the Law Society of Upper Canada bar admission program.
If you have any questions regarding the articling experience or application process, please contact Emily Assini by calling 519-672-5666. If you are interested in joining our team, forward your application to student.recruitment@mckenzielake.com or submit your application through viRecruitPortal.
