Our Students' Experience

My first summer at Osler has exceeded all expectations. The firm does an excellent job of seamlessly integrating its students from the very beginning. You find yourself working on a wide array of complex and stimulating files, alongside the best and brightest lawyers in their respective fields. You are made to feel comfortable from the instant you step into the office and the people here go out of their way to ensure that you are given every opportunity to grow and succeed. The firm’s culture of collegiality is pervasive, and I have been able to develop incredible professional relationships, as well as friendships. I am always astounded at how willing and eager people here are to take the time to answer questions, give advice or just to have a friendly conversation. The firm is dedicated to mentorship, both formally and informally, and I have found myself learning more every step of the way. Osler is the ideal place to launch a legal career, and I would not want to be anywhere else.

The Osler student program provides the opportunity to become an integral part of fascinating and complex files. We recently had the opportunity to assist with a Mareva injunction that involved the assets of a foreign state which touched on novel issues including the interplay of international and Canadian law, and the application of international treaties, the State Immunity Act, and arbitration rules. Not only did we have the chance to work closely as a cohesive group of our peers which was an excellent experience and something that has made our experience at Osler unique, but we were also integrated as core members of the team with the lawyers working on the file. We had the opportunity to be involved at all stages which included research, drafting, preparing submissions and we saw the file through to its ultimate settlement. Assisting with this case has been a highlight of our Articling experience thus far. We had the opportunity to delve deep into exciting areas of the law, work alongside peers who have become friends, and learn from brilliant lawyers.

The student experience at Osler strikes the perfect balance between providing summer students with interesting and complex corporate files and the legal and technical training that will build our foundations as successful future lawyers. Osler’s lean size and team-oriented dynamic quickly allow students to work closely with associates and partners on a day-to-day basis. Outside of work hours, students have plenty of opportunities to bond with one another and the entire Osler team at dinners, volunteer days and summer parties, making for a truly memorable summer at the firm.

Osler provides you with the unique opportunity to help shape the firm and the culture. It is not often that you get the chance to help build an office of a national firm in such a large market. Everyone at Osler is excited to be there and genuinely enjoy working with one another. For students who enjoy a challenge and hands on learning, Osler is the perfect place. You are given interesting and important tasks early on, as well as a great deal of support and feedback to ensure you are truly learning and able to see how the work you do progresses. During my summer I was able to participate in a variety of activities and work on multiple transactions in order to get a better understanding of the work lawyers do and the variety of practice areas out there.

Summer Student 2019, Vancouver

Throughout the Course aux stages process, you hear the word “fit” without really understanding what it means. It isn’t until you set foot in the Osler office that it really makes sense. Right from the start, you feel connected to a team and, in spite of your different personalities, there is a common thread that unites you. During my summer at Osler, I had the privilege of participating in a range of interesting and challenging mandates touching on various areas of the law. The fact that the lawyers took the time to explain their work and made themselves available to answer our questions were key factors in making this a unique, rewarding experience. In addition, as part of the summer program, we were able to participate in activities and training, and were paired up with a buddy, so we felt supported throughout the summer. It’s inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by lawyers who aim for excellence in their day-to-day work and see teamwork as the cornerstone of success!

Osler's training and mentoring initiatives went above and beyond my expectations. Our first two weeks at the firm were devoted to a wide array of training sessions, ranging from research workshops to affidavit-commissioning simulations. Every aspect of our training was thoughtfully designed to prepare us for meaningful, high-level work. I also greatly appreciated Osler’s multi-level mentorship system, where every student is assigned an Articling Buddy, and Associate Buddy, a Tag-Along Partner, and an Advisor. These connections provided invaluable support and guidance on both matters big and small. Altogether, my summer at Osler has been a testament to the firm's investment in its students, and its commitment to providing us with the skills essential to a budding legal career.

2018 Summer Student, 2019/2020 Articling Student, Toronto

If your goal is to become an exceptional lawyer, Osler is an ideal place to start your career. From my first day as a summer student, I was engaged in challenging files and learned from mentors who were invested in my development. Without exception, the lawyers were generous with their knowledge and time. They went beyond the “how” and “what” of a given task and discussed the “why”, sharing insights into overall strategy for the file and the role of each team member. 

The student program provides exposure to the wide range of law practiced at Osler, but also gives students the ability to specialize in areas of interest. I knew that I wanted to do solicitor work, and was able to rotate through the corporate, technology, franchising, and commercial real estate practice groups. Over the course of my summer and articling year, I participated in multi-day negotiations of commercial agreements, did pro-bono leasing work, and assisted with a financing round for one of my favourite apps.

When I joined the firm, I knew that I would be working with brilliant lawyers and learning alongside talented students; two years later, those people have become my trusted mentors and close friends. I had a wonderful experience as a student and am excited to return as an associate.

2016, Summer Student, 2017/2018 Articling Student, Toronto

My experience at Osler has been enriching. When looking for a firm in which to summer, my mentor advised me to look for a place I did not intend to leave. After having completed a summer here, I know that this is a place where I can grow. The partners and associates at the firm are committed to the students’ learning experience in a genuine way. I will remember fondly the willingness of partners to take me along to section meetings, to explain concepts to me, and to assist me in reviewing my first assignments. As I summered, I saw a commitment to helping me find the areas in which I would succeed while challenging me to improve in those that were a little more difficult. Most importantly, there is a true commitment to wellness in the firm. Your wellbeing is a priority and is fostered by the kinds of people who care about ensuring you are on your path to a long and fulfilling career as both a lawyer, and a beneficial member of society. The commitment to diversity has gone beyond lip-service; here, I feel seen, heard and celebrated because of my differences rather than in spite of them.

Summer Student, Vancouver

My experience as a summer student at Osler was extremely rewarding. From my first day, I was welcomed into a team of smart, talented individuals in a firm with a strong culture of respect and collegiality. I was then invited to a number of activities throughout the summer, which allowed me to forge ties with other summer and articling students, as well as lawyers and administrative staff. My assignments were challenging and allowed me to hone my skills. I felt like my work made a real contribution to the files I was involved in, and the responsibilities I was given were fulfilling. At Osler, they don’t just treat you like a student, but as a future colleague, and every member of the team, from the partners to the legal assistants, takes an interest in your success and professional development. You are also free to choose and explore the practice areas that interest you, and there are endless opportunities to do so. If you are looking to work on major deals and cases as part of a team of fantastic, passionate individuals, Osler is the place for you!

Osler is an excellent place to launch a legal career. The top-notch legal training students receive is complemented by a very supportive, friendly, and collegial working environment. The lawyers I work with always take the time to thoroughly explain a task and the context surrounding a particular file, and I’ve never felt shy to ask questions. At Osler, you will be exposed to a diverse scope of challenging work, as well as many opportunities to make meaningful contributions to files. My experience at the firm has been nothing but exceptional. I know I made the right choice by choosing Osler.

2019 Summer Student, 2020/2021 Articling Student, Toronto