Our students perform research assignments, draft a wide range of litigation documents such as pleadings, facta, motions and mediation memos, prepare motion records, assist with trial preparation, handle small claims court actions, conduct examinations in aid of execution, assist on trials and appeals, and appear in court on contested and uncontested motions. They occasionally assist lawyers in the preparation of articles for publication and papers for presentation at continuing legal education seminars. We also encourage our students to accompany lawyers on court proceedings as often as they can—examinations for discovery, inquests, mediations, motions, trials—so they can see all aspects of the litigation process.   How is work assigned to students? We think articling students benefit from a work-assignment system that aims to give each student a similar volume of work, and as much variety in assignments as we can offer.   The key to our system is our full-time student administrator, Angela Smith. Angela is an experienced legal assistant and law clerk, whose sole function is to assist and guide our students.

What types of law are practised in Toronto? What kind of work do students handle? Guidance and support How are students evaluated? What sort of student thrives at Lerners' Toronto office? Balancing work and outside life Money matters Preparation for your career What our students say To reach our students How do I apply?

 

Generally, assignments from lawyers are directed to Angela. In determining which student should do an assignment, she considers the nature and urgency of the assignment, the existing workload of each student, the kinds of experience that students have had to date, and the kinds of assignments they have not yet tackled. Angela makes sure that, by the end of their time with us, each student has worked with several different lawyers, on a variety of projects, in all of the major areas of law in which we practise.

This system does not, however, stop you from seeking out experiences that interest you, beyond the assignments directed through Angela. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Students are encouraged to approach lawyers to ask about opportunities to assist them. This could range from joining a lawyer on an examination for discovery and taking notes, to sitting in on a meeting with clients. We want to help you get the best chance to explore all avenues of the practice of law.