Our Students' Experience

What stands out to me about Osler is the extent to which partners and associates went out of their way to provide students with quality work and exceptional learning opportunities. From day one, I was involved in complex and challenging files where my work was valued and I had the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the practice of law. No matter how big or small the assignment, Osler lawyers always took the time to explain the file in detail and how my assignment fit into the big picture. This allowed me to share in their enthusiasm for the law and for the work that Osler does for its clients.

Throughout my time as a student as Osler, I developed close friendships with my colleagues that have continued as we transitioned to becoming associates. I can’t think of a better place to have started my legal career.

2016 Summer Student; 2017/2018 Articling Student

On May 16, our second day at work, we had the chance to meet some of the firm's clients face-to-face. All summer and articling students were invited to attend a large-scale client event organized by Osler. The partners encouraged us to interact with the 300 people in attendance in order to start learning the ropes of business development. That's how we found ourselves at the Chagall exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, held as part of the city's 375th anniversary, where we took part in thought-provoking conversations and made memorable contacts. We dove headfirst into a new environment, where we had a very enjoyable time with our colleagues!

Summer Student, 2016-2017, Montréal

As soon as I started at Osler, I noticed how important community involvement is to the firm. Not only does Osler participate in several social initiatives, such as Community Day, where all Osler employees in Montreal volunteer for a community organization for the day, and Pedal for Kids, it also takes on a number of pro bono cases. After I expressed an interest in helping with pro bono work, I was immediately given a key role in a case involving freedom of speech.  Having done a fair amount of pro bono work in university, I was pleased to be able to continue to be involved in such causes in a professional environment.

My experience thus far has been extremely rewarding. Working alongside Osler's talented and brilliant team of lawyers has enabled me to learn quickly. Not only are they always willing to answer my questions, but the firm's lawyers value my ideas and my work. I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer holds!

Summer Student, 2017, Montréal

Osler’s people are what drew me to the firm, and they are what made my articling experience worthwhile. The firm provides formal mentors and buddies, but I was also able to comfortably reach out to any colleague to ask for advice and assistance. Whenever I did reach out, I was always impressed with how willing people were to take time out of their busy schedule to answer my questions, on everything from practical issues with a file to decisions regarding departments and career choices.

Osler also made sure that, even as a student, I was deeply involved in the files I was working on and that I had a broad range of experiences. Associates and partners took me along to client meetings, negotiations, and even flew me out to participate in hearings. They also placed a strong emphasis on exposing you to all aspects of the practice area you were interested in, and I was often invited to join my colleagues who were attending legal conferences and luncheons when they knew the topics were related to my areas of interest.

Articling at Osler, not only did I get to work with exceptional lawyers who were among the best in their field, but also with great people who took an active role in helping me launch my legal career.

2L Summer Student, 2015, 2016/2017 Articling Student, Toronto

Osler is a great place to launch a career in law. The combination of hands-on work experience, in-depth training and team-building initiatives culminates in a fantastic learning environment. The overall experience is enriched by the willingness of lawyers to engage with students and provide unique perspectives.

Summer Student, 2014, Articling Student, 2015/2016, Toronto

As a student at Osler you are assigned a number of formal mentors and will undoubtedly also benefit from the supportive culture of everyone at the firm. Lawyers are always willing to take the time to explain how a student’s work fits into the larger transaction. Lawyers are also encouraged to invite students to client meetings and phone calls, giving students the opportunity to learn firsthand from the top practitioners in their field. During my summer, I had the opportunity to work directly with a partner on the negotiation of a commercial agreement, including attending a series of meetings, both with our client and the vendor.

Osler’s team-based culture is truly one of the things that make it a great place to work. From day one you will be given meaningful, challenging work that contributes directly towards the final client deliverable. I enjoyed being constantly challenged to learn and take on larger roles on transactions, yet always felt comfortable that I had the support of the other members of the team.

During the summer program, the student committee puts on a series of “What does a … lawyer do?” talks where members of different practice groups at the firm spend time to provide an overview of their practice area and career path. This was a wonderful opportunity to gain some insight into the work performed by groups that students did not rotate through during their summer and significantly helped me determine which rotations I would like to pursue during articling.

Summer Student, 2014, Articling Student, 2015/2016, Toronto

What makes Osler exceptional is that you’re a part of the team from the very beginning. You will work alongside exceptional lawyers in an environment that is both professional and extremely personable. Don’t be surprised if your colleagues quickly become good friends.

Summer Student, 2014, Articling Student, 2015/2016, Toronto

Osler provides students with the tools and the training to excel as young professionals. The firm’s leading practitioners facilitate a comprehensive professional development program, which is designed to support both students who have a specific area of interest and those who are exploring different practice groups. Combined with top-rate legal work and an extensive mentorship program, Osler’s summer and articling programs push students to succeed and offer strong support along the way.

At Osler, I was fully integrated into the practice groups I rotated through as a summer student. I accompanied lawyers to conferences, presented at practice group meetings and participated in countless meetings with partners and associates. Each lawyer that I worked with took the time to explain the larger context of my assignment and enthusiastically offered advice and feedback. I worked with talented, approachable lawyers who went out of their way to ensure that I was welcomed to the team.

Summer Student, 2014, Articling Student, 2015/2016, Toronto

I’m very grateful to have summered and articled at Osler. Students at the firm are given every opportunity to take on meaningful work in a variety of practice areas and to shape their interests while working alongside some of Canada’s most respected lawyers. The support network of formal and informal mentors is always available to assist and takes pride when students excel. Students also benefit from Osler’s exceptional professional development program, which covers everything from improving your professional presence to substantive lessons on the law.

Summer Student, 2014, Articling Student, 2015/2016, Toronto

My first summer at Osler has been a  phenomenal experience. I was immediately given a high level of autonomy to work on complex corporate files with talented associates and partners. What set Osler apart during recruitment was its dedication to professional and personal development through extensive training as well as its commitment to teamwork, mentorship, and community involvement. In practice, the firm is truly committed to these goals, and the environment is collegial, supportive, and intellectually challenging. I look forward to my future at Osler due to the invaluable professional experiences that it offers as well as its enriching culture.

Summer Student 2015-2016, Articling Student 2017, Montréal