Articling Programme
We believe that our unique articling programme will prepare the groundwork for our students to become first-class advocates, as associates and eventually as partners with our firm. The articling programme at Thomson, Rogers is advocacy based. Our firm has been recognized as a leading litigation firm in Canada for over 70 years. We believe in teaching our students advocacy skills and allowing them to utilize these skills through practical and increasingly complex courtroom experiences.
1) Why choose Thomson, Rogers?
Students at Thomson, Rogers assist lawyers in preparation for trials, mediations, arbitrations and hearings and often accompany them into court, arbitrations and hearings. Our students appear regularly before the Superior Court of Justice. Our students are exposed to every aspect of a litigation practice, including meeting and dealing with clients and other lawyers, drafting materials and attending in Court. As indicated in the Thomson, Rogers’ Education Plan students at Thomson, Rogers can expect to spend approximately only 10% of their time conducting research. The rest of the time is spent gaining experience and exposure to advocacy. The lawyers at Thomson, Rogers take great pride in being able to delegate high level work to the articling students. In this environment, the learning curve is high, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
2) Training Opportunities
We offer a series of seminars focusing on the practical aspects of procedural and substantive law. Students help choose the subject matter and assist with the implementation of the programme. These seminars are fundamental to the legal education tradition at Thomson, Rogers of cooperation, dialogue, and mentorship.
3) Support
Each student is assigned several mentors, who will act as that student’s counselors and sounding board and will provide the student with feedback about his or her performance. In addition, students will have the support of their Principal, who will supervise their work and act as their liaison with the Law Society of Upper Canada. Finally, students have full-time secretarial support and can access law clerks as their needs arise.
4) Social
Student enthusiasm and talents are always welcome at our social events! Associates and students often meet informally for lunch. Our students attend the Thomson, Rogers Golf Day, the annual summer outing, and end of year party. We believe that student integration into the social fabric of the firm is essential to their success as members of our team.
5) Compensation
Salary at Thomson, Rogers is competitive with other major, Toronto law firms and includes payment of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Bar Admission Course. In addition, students will be entitled to a full benefits package and a subsidized fitness membership. Students are also given ten paid vacation days during their articling term.
6) Meet Our Students
Our current students would be pleased to answer any questions you may have about the articling experience at Thomson, Rogers.
7) What Thomson, Rogers Looks For
Our articling programme is how we recruit our future partners. Thomson, Rogers looks for confident, well-spoken students who show potential to become superior litigators and advocates. Our students must be able to thrive under pressure and have excellent analytical and writing skills. Finally, Thomson, Rogers looks for students who have a good sense of humour, and who are collegial and courteous. Thomson, Rogers looks for students who are critical thinkers, know the law and have great empathy; in short, a student who can develop into a great advisor and legal counsel.
8) How to Apply
Thomson, Rogers abides by the articling recruitment procedure prescribed by the Law Society of Upper Canada. A complete application includes a cover letter, resume and university transcripts. References and/or reference letters are not required but are welcome. Should you wish to submit an application for consideration of Thomson, Rogers, please submit it in confidence to: David R. Neill Thomson, Rogers’ Student Coordinator Suite 3100, 390 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1W2 E-mail: dneill@thomsonrogers.com
