Students often receive feedback on their work directly from the assigning lawyer, shortly after an assignment has been completed. To make sure students have a clear idea of how they are doing, however, we also conduct formal evaluations.  Articling students have two evaluations during their articles.

For the evaluations, we collect written comments from our lawyers on each student's work. Our Executive Director of Human Resources and Administration, along with the student's senior mentor, then meets with each student individually to review the results. This allows us to commend the student on areas of good performance and to discuss strategies for improvement if there are areas of weakness. We also discuss what learning experiences the student has not yet had. For example, if a student has not yet attended a mediation, we can help find an opportunity for the student to attend one.

Evaluations aren't a one-way street. They offer a chance for us to let students know how they are doing, but are just as much the students' chance to offer constructive criticism on the student program. During evaluations, we ask students what they have enjoyed about their student experience to date, and whether there are any aspects that need improvement. Their suggestions are often excellent, and have helped us refine and enhance our student program over the years.