Aug 16, 2017
A recent report published by BTI Consulting Group recognized Osler as one of a select group of “Law Firms with Standout Associates.” In completing its research, BTI asked more than 300 corporate counsel which law firms had the best associates. Osler was the only Canadian national full-service business law firm identified in BTI’s survey results.
According to BTI’s report, Law Firms with the Best Associates 2017, “clients make a mental note of the firms who will put their associates on the front lines and make them visible…. Clients like to talk to associates and offer bits of advice on being an attorney, improving their work, and to share insight on what it’s like to be a client or about the nature of meetings.” The report also identifies four skills for “associate success”: listening, writing, anticipating and researching.
“Our commitment to outstanding client services is woven into the fabric of our firm. We give our associates the tools, training and support they need to help our clients succeed,” says Shahir Guindi, Osler’s national Co-Chair. “We are proud of the strong relationships our associates develop with our clients and the exceptional work they do to meet clients’ needs.”
“This recognition reflects the value and quality of services our associates provide to our clients and the extensive professional and career development programs that are available to lawyers at our firm,” says Janette Canvin, Chief Professional Resources Officer at Osler. “We are honoured that BTI has recognized our associates’ hard work and dedication to delivering top-level legal solutions.”
Osler’s collaborative culture and training programs support a firm-wide focus on delivering excellent client service. Osler associates have access to one of the most comprehensive professional development (PD) programs in Canada, including full multi-format curricula for students and junior associates, practice-specific programs, targeted retreats, custom online learning, active ongoing mentoring and skill building. We also have an extensive knowledge management (KM) program, including dedicated practice group knowledge management lawyers and a wide range of practice resources and technology tools. Together, the integrated and constantly evolving PD and KM programs ensure Osler associates are learning at the speed of change and continue to meet clients’ changing needs.
In addition to mentorship from the partners of the firm, associates receive individualized support and coaching from a full-time in-house professional coach. Our Career Development Officer, Steven Cline, provides confidential coaching and career development expertise to help Osler associates succeed in their careers and develop skills needed to deliver exceptional legal services.
BTI is the leading provider of strategic, client-based research to the legal community. It conducts the only continuous benchmarking market study in the legal services, which is currently in its 17th year. For this year’s report, BTI conducted 324 interviews with top legal decision makers across more than 15 industry segments.
View BTI's report Law Firms with the Best Associates 2017.